COUNCIL APPOINTMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18762, 16 July 1924, Page 10

COUNCIL APPOINTMENT.

NO INFLUENCE USED. STRONG DENIAL BY MEMBER. [BT TELEGBAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER. ] WELLINGTON. Tuesday. " I have heard the former member for the Bay, of Islands called a 'rat,' and also that I was instrumental in getting him into the Upper House,'' said Mr. A. Bell (Bay of Plenty) in the House tonight. "That is a most damnable accusation. '(Sensation.) I have never had any conversation with the Prime Minister on •tho matter." "V-A Member: Yon tipped him the wink. 1 Mr. Bell: I did not. It did not matter a trap to me whether he (the former mem"ber for Bay of Islands) was appointed to the Upper House or not. A Labour Member: He would be out of the way. Mr. Bell: I had no hand direct or in direct in that appointment, and there is no reason why a member who has served in thus nous's for 12 or 14 years should not go to the Upper House. A Labour Member: They are rejects. Mr. Bell: Yes, and members of the great Independent Party who have saved the country this iast 18 months may some : day be rejects. (Loud laughter.) J Mr. Bell proceeded to quote reports of his speeches during the general election bearing on his pledges to support the Government on a no-confidence issue. A Labour Member: In what paper were they published? Mr. Bell: In a paper published in the far and winterless north, where the sun shines 365 days a year. Mr. Holland: What did you say. At Hikurangi 1 Mr. Bell: Exactly the same. My first speech at Kaitaia was the same as that delivered at IC4 different places in the electorate. Ido not, as some members do, suit my remarks to the. audience. (Loud laughter.) 4 Returning to newspaper reports, Mr. Bell said: These are clear and definite statements as to what-1 would do if returned %o s Parliament. No one can say I have gone back on those pledges in any way. (Hear, hear). I hope the member for Hurunui will accept my statement, but let us get away from that now. A Labour Member: Yes. let':,.