RAISING LOANS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 236, 4 September 1929, Page 7

RAISING LOANS.

CONFLICTING STATEMENTS,

DESIRE TO CLEAR MATTER UP,

When speaking in the House of Representatives on the question of raising money on the London market and the Prime Minister’s, remarks thereon, Mr J. A. Nash said that, “after listening to the discussion that has taken plaeo from time to time upon this matter, we on these benches feel that a very grave injustice has been done to the late Minister of Finance. 1 am sureI am safe in saying that that gentleman is held in high esteem right throughout New Zealand by both political friend and foe; and that under the circumstances something should be done to clear the matter up. I put it to the Prime Minister: Why not' drop all feeling in the matter and bring it to an end? I say that the Prime Minister has nothing to fear in the matter as Minister of Finance. He is satisfied in his own mind. He has told the House on several occasions that his statement is absolutely correct; and on the other hand we have the late Minister of Finance saying that an injustice has been done him and the statement is not correct. Quite sufficient of this matter lias been made public. As it lias gone so far, I ask, why not let the people know just what the position is? There may be difficulties about disclosing certain matters in regard to transactions in the Old Country, but it has been suggested from the Labour benches that this matter could with'safety be referred to the. public accounts • committee and that it could consider the matter. If that is not satisfactory to the Prime Minister, I would suggest that he refer it to a select committee of the House consisting of, say, three members. That would be the means of bringing the whole question to an end and doing away with the grave injustice which has beon placed upon the late Minister of Finance and which we on this side very much resent.”