MINISTER EXPLAINS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 230, 27 August 1938, Page 9

MINISTER EXPLAINS

INCIDENT IN WELLINGTON. Per Press' Association. WELLINGTON, Aug. 26. Reference to the inkwell episode in Parliament Buildings, which was the subject of a Court case yesterday, was made to-day by Hon. H. T. Armstrong. He said the incident did not occur in, or even near, his office, but in an office at the main entrance to Parliament Buildings. , Mr Armstrong explains that a man called at the main entrance on Monday morning and placed his case before a member of liis staff. Inquiries showed that he had previously registered as unemployed, and would normally be entitled to assistance as from Tuesday. He was. not alreadv on sustenance. It did not follow he was entitled to actual payment on Tuesday: this normally would have been made on Thursday. However, a letter was posted from Mr Armstrong’s office on Monday afternoon asking the man to call at the Unemployment Bureau, when payment would be* arranged. Mr Armstrong understood the man had called on Tuesday morning, but because payment could not be effected immediately he returned. to Parliament Buildings. He whs requested to return to the bureau, which incidentally had been instructed in regard to the matter, but nevertheless he was communicated with by telephone to ensure that arrangements might be facilitated. However, Mr Armstrong was informed that the man, upon arrival, had .'adopted an unreasonable attitude. He was offered the opportunity of discussing the matter vdtli the responsible officer, but declined and left the premises without waiting for the payment that was being arranged. These payments were subject to the necessary formalities, particularly when being arranged outside the normal routine as was the case in this instance. On Wednesday morning the man called a ■ Parliament Buildings again and upon being informed it would be necessary that he should return to the >urtthat the matter might lie fmahsed tin unfortunate incident ,*cnvrcd. Armstrong was assured that, ;ls l:u h,\ s officers were concerned, the m. was treated with courtesy and patience.