LIBERALS IN DANGER

Grey River Argus, 27 June 1914, Page 5

LIBERALS IN DANGER

WANTED SEATS IN THE UPPER HOUSE. MR. MASSEY THROWS A BOMB. (Oui Paihamentary Repoitcr). By Telegraph. —Special to ft Aigus." WELLINGTON, June 26. It is a well-known fact that m the case of several' constituencies that are being- contested by members of the 1 iberal Par'y at present in Parliament, there are grave doubts about such "members being able to 1 retain their seats. Mr this afternoon let a 'little light in upon the position, and 1 at tihe same time Ihrew a bomb-shell I into the Opposition camp. Mr Massey was replying- to some criticism about appointments to land boards and to the Upper House. "Political rejects," said Mr. Colvin in ani incautious moment. , "The 'honourable .gentleman has no need to talk about rejects," rapped out Mr Massey, "because, as a mat' rer of fact, I have had a deputation from his district asking- nne y to ap ifoint him to the Upper House." "Witihin the last month," added Mr Massey, "I have been lequested by supporters of four of the 'candidates \vho,suppoit they t ßiglit Hon. gentleman (Sir Joseph -Ward) to appoint tJiem to the • Legislative Council.' 7 (Laughter). Opposition! "members Name them ! Mr Massey il'No I won't name } them I don't think V^hat -would be fail." Mi Colvin, (r\\ng" fdmewhat excited Iv) • "It is an 'absolute — , and I never heard it." (Loud laughter). "It never emanated from me." Mr Massey: VI am quite willing to accept that statement, i' did not say for ,one moment tihat it had cman ated from the honourable „ member, lW it "did emariato from Ins own party." Opposition members: Fiom }our own party Mr Massey. "No. In no instance wei t e they supporters of mine." Mr Colvin again stated that he had nothings to do wrMi the request, and objected to the statement Mr. Massey; "The honourable gen.lentfan had better no drive me 100 haa^d." Mr Colvin s>aid that he was quito willing- that the Piime Mmslei should make the matter public. Mr. Massey: "I am quite willing to tell the honourable gentleman* privately. Will that satisfy him?" Mr IColviir again ,ilnter«Tted that he knew nothing" of it. Mr Massey : "I said I was lequest ed to put the honourable g-entleman in the Upper House It was requested by some ofr his own peronal friends ,and supporters. (Government, la'ugih-