MEMBERS’ DISPUTE

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 5 September 1929, Page 5

MEMBERS’ DISPUTE

DISCUSSED IN THE HOUSE. MR. SAMUEL’S GRIEVANCE, REFERRED TO COMMITTEE. (By TViegrapli —rreaa Association.) WELLINGTON, Sept, 4. The debate on the alleged breach of privilege raised by Air A. M. Samuel against the lion. li. Atinore was resumed in, the House ol Representatives to-day. Mr Samuel had alleged that lie had stated in the lobby, after the sitting of the House on Thursday night, in response to a jocular remark, that “He would tell tlie people something about me in Egypt.” Tins, Air Samuel contended, was a. direct reflection oil bis military career, and could not b© taken ag otherwise. AH H. H. S. Kyle said Air Samuel had an enviable war record. He bad been mentioned in despatches for gallantly ; lie bad been awarded no fewer than seven medals; lie bad won tbe good feelings of all men wlio bad served under His. command from the beginning to tlie end of the war. Air Kyle suggested that Air Atinore should unreservedly withdraw the remark. Air A. E. Ausell suggested the Alinister would lose nothing in dignity by making an apology at the present stage.

Ali- C. H. Clink aid expressed tbe view that there had been insufficient reason for bringing the matter before the House.

Air J-. O’Brien concurred in this view and suggested the motion should be thrown out in such a way that there would 'be no encouragement for any other member to bring a “similar trifling matter” before the House. Air T. W. AlcDouald contended that the Minister’s actual words could not contain any sinister meaning. He was sure there had been no intention to cast a reflection on the military record of Air Samuel.

Air D. G. Sullivan said that as it has been stated the remark was only a. jocular one. Air Samuel should not pursue the matter any further. The country na K most impatient and objected to time being wasted on the discussion of this matter. He invited Air Samuel to withdraw the motion.

Air Samuel said lie thought the matter had been given a. slightly different colouring that afternoon. Had Air At~ more not continued his remarks beyond a certain stage on Friday lie (Mr Samuel) would nor. have permitted the matter to go any further. The Alinister, however, had aggravated the affair by an innuendo. Instead of making the amende honourable he had gone on further and indulged in a sinister suggestion. Air Samuel added that he did nob care 'whether the whole House voted against him ; he wanted the matter cleared u:p. It might seem trivial to the House anfl the country; it was not trivial to him. The oountry did not know what he had had to put up with, but it could guess. Air Atinore said he had assured: Air Samuel that the remark was jocular. He was not the aggressor in this case. The Prime Minister suggested that if Air Samuel were agreeable to withdraw his breach of privilege motion he (Sir Joseph Ward) would then move that the matter be referred to a select committee.

Air Coates: Tbe Prime Alinister’s suggestion is the correct one, but there should be no need to refer the matter J to a committee if the Minister of Edu- ! cation will simply say he meant nothing by the remark.” All- Atinore did not reply. Air Samuel thereupon agreed to withdraw his motion and Sir Joseph Ward moved that the question be referred to a committee of privilege, to consists of the Prime Alinister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Labour Party, Alessrs Forbes, K. S. Williams, and J. O’Brien and to report to the House in three weeks. Air Coates: I ask the Alinister of Education across the floor of ±he House whether lie is prepared to sav he meant nothing by tlie remark. Labour members .- Hear! Hear! That is the right way to settle it. Alt- Atmore did not replv and Sir Joseph Ward’s motion was unanimously adopted.