POLITICAL SURPRISE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15646, 27 June 1914, Page 11

POLITICAL SURPRISE.

INSECURE OPPOSITIONISTS. BEATS, IN THE UPPER HOUSE. REQUEST TO Mil. MABBEY, [nr mMnM'tt.— spiral COJIRKSroSfDWrt] Wct.nNflToN, Friday. Dooms have been expressed n* to several of the Opposition members being ftble to retain their seats at tho coming election. Mr. Mftssoy this afternoon let ft llltlo light upon the position, and at the rnmo time threw a bombshell into the Opposi- ! tion camp. Ho was replying to some criticism about the appointments to Land Bonds and to tho Upper House, "Political rejects," laid Mr. Colvin (Bullcr). "The hon, gentleman hns no need 'to talk nbout rejects," rotortcd Mr- Ma*«ey, " because, as ft mntbfir of fact, 1 have had a deputation from bis district asking mo to onpoint him to the Upper House. Within the last month," added Mr. Mawov, "I have been requested by supporters of four of the candidates who support the right hon. gentleman (Sir Joseph Ward) to appoint them to tho Legislative Council. {Laughter.) Opposition Members: Name them. Mr, Mmmv i No, 1 won't name thorn. I don't, think that would to fair. Mr. Oolvln (rising somewhat excitedly) It is (in absolute —, end I never heard it, (Loud laughter,) It never emanated from me. Mr. Massey i I am quite willing to accept that statement. I did not soy for one moment that- it had emanate from tho lion, member, but it did emanate from his own party. Onnosition Members: From your own party. Mr. Massey: No! In no instanco wore they sunnorters of mine. Mr. Colvin ngnin stated that ho had nothin" to do with tho request. Ho objected to thn statement. Mr. Maseoy: Tho hon. gentleman had better not drUo mo too hard. Mr. Colvin snid he was quite willing that Iho Primo Minister should make tho mattor on Hie. Mr. Mrtsncy: I am quite v-iliing to tell the hon. pontleman privately. Will that satl«'" him? Mr. C"lvin m?aln interjected that be know nothing of it. Mr. Mn/roy : I sold I was reonosted to not tho lion, gentleman in tho tVwr House, I was requested by some of bis personal frl»n.ls find supporters, (Oovtrnment laughter,)