PURITY OF PUBLIC LIFE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15657, 10 July 1914, Page 7

PURITY OF PUBLIC LIFE.

HOLMAN-MEAGHER AFFAIR.

OPPOSITION ATTACK.

PREMIER ASKED . TO WITHDRAW. By Telegraph-Press Association— Stdxet, July 9. Ik the Legislative Assembly, yesterday, Mr. Wade. Leader of the. Opposition, moved as an addition to the Address-in-Reply that, owing to accusations made by the Premier against Mr. Meagher, imputing to him grave misconduct as a member of Parliament, tho Assembly is of opinion that in me public interest, and in order to maintain tho purity of public life, and the gocd name of Parliament, the accusations tic investigated by a Royal Commission or tho charges be publicly withdrawn. Mr. Wade explained that hie action arose out of what is known as tho HolmanMeagher controversy, tbi outcome of Mr. Meagher's attitude towards tho Legislalive Council nomination, which at one time threatened to split the Parliamentary Labour Party. Mr. Holman, in his speeches 'made during the recess, showed strong resentment at the Labour conference's attempt to control the nominations to the Council, and warmly criticised Mr. Meagher's attitude in the matter.

Mr. Holman, in tie Assembly, made a vigorous reply to Mr. Wade. He denied that' anything in the nature of the charge as suggested by Mr. Wade could read into the words he used. No impropriety was either implied or intended against any member of the House. In all sincerity he assured the House that the honour of Parliament was safe in the keeping of the Government. If he became aware of anything that called for investigation he would take immediate action without any prompting.