“REFLECTION CAST ON SMALL FARMER”

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 3615, 16 September 1927, Page 7

“REFLECTION CAST ON SMALL FARMER”

Mr Glenn Declares War on Labour Camp

STATEMENT ALLEGED AND REFUTED !

[“ Times ” Special.] [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON Last Night.

An attack was made on the Labour Party in the House tonight by Mr W. S. Glenn (Kangltikei), in regard to , statements said to have been made by the

member for Mauukau, Mr W. J.

Jordan. Speaking on the third reading of the Summer Time

Bill, Mr Glenn said that Mr

Jordan had cast a reflection on the small, hard-working farmer's.

“To-night,” he said, "the member for Manaukau is away speaking on the public platform and organising the election at Raglan. But he knew that I was going to give it to him. Five members of this House took note of what he said and I’vo got it hero in black and white. I would he very sorry to misquote the hon. gentleman wrongly.” (Laughter.! Mr Glenn proceeded, to quote from the report he had referred to, said to have been taken down by live members. .

Labour members,immediately protested that the report was not correct, and asked who had taken note of the remarks.

Mr Glenn: “The member for Taftranga and the member for Waikato tools it down."

vMr p. Fraser: “Do they write shbrthand?”

Mr Glenn: “Oh, it is not necessary*, to write shorthand to take down a few words. What I want to know la this —will the Leader of the Opposition support what Mr Jordan said, or will lie repudiate it?’ ’ Mr H. E. Holland; “Will the leader' of your Party stand for everything fhat you say " Mr Glenn; “I don’t have to ask my Party what, I say. I am a Party unto myself. (Laughter.) All my resolutions are passed unanimously, (renewed laughter.) I know this, that when the farmers of New Zealand hear what the member for Manakau has said the Labour Party will not get one vote from the farming community. They won’t have a dog’s chance." < Mr Fraser) “I have spoken.” Five Minutes Left.

At this stage, Mr Speaker rang the bell to Indicate that Mr Glenn had but five minutes left in which to speak. Mr Fraser was at once on his feet to move for an extension of time. There was a chorus or approval and Mr Glenn was about to thank the House for the concession when Mr Speaker informed him that the extension was not granted, one member (Mr J. S. Dickson) having declined to assent.

Mr'Glenn was somewhat taken aback but lie had the sympathy of Mr Fraser. “That's a rotten thing to do,” commented the member for Wellington Central. Mr Glenn proceeded to attack the Labour Party. He dwelt on the effect that Mr Jordan's statement was likely to have on the farmers of the Dominion. “They will know what to do in future,” concluded Mr Glenn. “They are not going to stand still and take this thing lying down.” (Laughter.) Statement Concocted. Mr H. T. Armstrong (Christchurch East) declared with emphasis that th e alleged statement of the member lor Manukau was concocted and totally misrepresented what Mr Jordan had said. “Remarks that liave been made tonight would never have been made if there had not been a by-election in progress at Kagian,” he declared. “It’s a move to damage the prospects of the Labour candidate at Kag- . lan.” Reform member: “He hasn’t a chance anyway.” Mr Armstrong: "Ho has a bettor chance than many of the Reform members will have at the next election.” Mr Armstrong went on to say that Mr Jordan had on no occasion discredited the farmers of the Dominion but he had attacked “miserable specimens” who are representing the farmers in the House. Mr Speaker: "Order, order! The hen. member must withdraw that statement.” Mr Armstrong: “Very well, Mr Speaker, I will withdraw. B|t I want to say this, that there are members in this House who arc incapable of talking about anything else but cowyards and piggeries.” Mr Samuel said he thought the statement uncalled for, unwarranted and foolish. “I trust,” he said, “that the Labour Party will not go to the farmers at the next election and say they have their welfare absolutely at heart.” >