THE PRO-BOER QUESTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11782, 11 October 1901, Page 5

THE PRO-BOER QUESTION.

CIRCULATION OF PAMPHLETS. [BY TELEGRAPH.— SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington*, Thursday. This afternoon Mr. Fisher asked his question regarding the circulation of American pro-Boer pamphlets in this colony. He asked the Premier whether, in order to counteract the influences insidiously sought to be instilled by the circulation of this pamphlet, he will cause to be reprinted and circulated the pamphlet entitled " The British Case Against the Boer Republics," and the pamphlet containing the speech delivered try Mr. Drage, late member for Derby in the House of Commons, entitled, "Real Causes of the War, and Some of the Elements of the Final Settlement."

The Premier said his experience of pamphlets and published matters in newspapers had been peculiar.

Mr. G. W. Russell: You have too many illustrations. (Laughter.)

The Premier said he had still a very lively recollection of what occurred not long ago, and he was proceeding to read the letter from the Rev. Dr. Fitchett, when

Mr. Massey rose and pointed out that the Premier was acting in contravention of the Standing Orders.

The Deputy-Speaker said the Premier was distinctly out of order.

Mr. Fisher: Sir, may I ask the Premier if, through you, he will kindly answer my question ? (Laughter.) The Premier said he had to be careful in case Mr. Fisher was laying a trap for him. He proceeded to read a request from a correspondent for six copies of the book about his trip to the South Sea Islands, to send to friends in Canada and the Old Country. An Hon. Memebr: What's that got to do with the Review of Reviews ? The Premier explained that it showed that the publicity given in the press to the discussion in Parliament had done good. Referring to the question put by Mr. Fisher he said the hon. member had done good in drawing attention to these pamphlets, and if he would move that the two last-named pamphlets be laid on the table of the. House with a view to their being published throughout the colony he would treat them as an unopposed return, and raise no objection to it. The House, not the Government, should do this. He commended a studvof the pamphlets to his friends }lr. Barclay and Mr. John Hutcheson. He hoped they would read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them. Both Mr. Hutcheson and Mr. Barclay explained that their reading on the subject had been pretty thorough and impartial. Mi-. Fisher said he had two copies of the first edition of the book on the Premier's trip to the Islands, and he would bring them down to-morrow and read to the House some extracts that were far more interesting than anything in the expurgated edition. The Premier : I have also some interesting reading regarding the circumstances connected" with a trip made by the hon. gentleman, which I also will give to the House. The Deputy-Speaker drew attention to the Standing Order, which stated that questions and renfies thereto should not contain arguments, In future he would put a stop to such discussions. Hon Members: Hear, hear. Mr Fisher (sarcastically): I was notaware of the existence of that Standing Order. (Laughter.) The Premier: I would have liked to work in Fitchett. (More laughter.)