HISTORICAL RESEARCH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 16034, 14 September 1912, Page 7

HISTORICAL RESEARCH.

MR R. M’NAB’S UNPAID SERVICES. AN UNFOUNDED ALLEGATION. [From Our Correspondent.] WELLINGTON. September 13. A return obtained for the purpose of showing tho amount received by Mr R. M’Nab for tho preparation of historical records relating to New Zealand was presented to Parliament to-day, having been secured as a result of charges made by Dr Newman (Wellington East) that the author had been substantially rewarded by the State, whilo other historical writers had not been similarly assisted. The Prime Minister was asked if ho would read the return. He complied, and said it consisted of one word, “ Nil.” As a political opponent of Mr M’Nab, but a personal friend, Mr A. S. Malcolm stated that he wished to express the indebtedness of the country to Mr M’Nab for his services in historical research. To-day lie had, in various countries of Europe, persons who were taking records of value to New Zealand. Tho Hon F. M. B. Fisher remarked that it was reported that Mr M’Nab had written to private citizens stating that it was the last time ho would furnish information for publication by the Government Printer, owing to tho unfounded charge which was made in the House. Everyone regretted the circumstances, and ho had written to Mr M'Nab as a private citizen, because he felt that his researches could hardly be repaid with any sum of money. They were of inestimable value, because it was improbable that any sum would secure a man who would do similar work. Ho hoped Mr M’Nab would overlook the unfounded criticism and continue liis valuable work. No Parliament would fail to approve the cost of publishing historical papers of such value as lie had prepared. (Hear, hear.) Mr Russell expressed the hope that tho Prime Minister himself would ask Mr M’Nab, on behalf of the country and of Parliament, to continue/ the valuable work which ho had started. Tho work upon which Mr M’Nab was engaged was a noble and patriotic one, and the unfortunate misunderstanding which found utterance in the House a few days previously was regretted by everyone on both sides, he felt assured.