The Voucher Mystery.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXI, Issue 8876, 1 September 1905, Page 4

The Voucher Mystery.

DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE. By Telegraph. Wellington, August 31. In the House of Representatives this afternoon, Mr Taylor asked whether the AuditorGenerid's report on the voucher charges would come up for consideration to-day. Sir J. G. Ward said that no promise had been made to take the discussion on the report to-day. The understanding was that the report and evidence were to bo printed and circulated, and he could assure the House that the matter could be dealt with this session.

Mr Taylor claimed that a definite promise was given by the Premier yesterday that the report could come up for consideration next sitting day. As far as he could see, the prsopect was that the Government would never let the matter come up again. He wanted an assurance that it would come up, as he felt he must strain every nerve to protect the four members of the Civil Service concerned. Members of the House were free in their opinion that the upshot would be the dismissal of the four men who had sworn that they were telling the truth. These men were honorable, highly respected citizens, and they had great interests at stake, and the earliest possible opportunity should be given Parliament to consider their case. Mr Fisher urged the Premier to fix a day for consideration of the report, so that the matter could be finally disposed of. They wanted to face the music, and did not want any delay whatever. They were prepared to go on with the discussion at once.

Mr Scddon pointed out that he had agreed with the Leader of the Opposition and with the House to take the lands debate to-day, and the order of business had been axed on these lines. So far he had exeercised great restraint in this matter, and no Parliamentary language was sufficiently strong to properly characterise Mr Taylor's action. That hon. member was dead to the finer feelings of mankind. The Premier went on to say that he was not going to disorganise the business of the country to deal with a question that had already been dealt with. They should keep their public life on a much higher plane. If they meant much further on the lines that had been laid down of late it simply meant that a man who had any self-respect would refuse to offer his services to the country. It would depend on the public whether the depths to which Parliament had been dragged would be continued. As far as the officers implicated were concerned, there had been a situation created that was discreditable to the Civil Service. It meant a lowering of the service which cried out with one voice against what had been done. The honorable men in the service felt the position keenly. This, however, would not cause him and his colleagues to do what was unjust or to act harshly. The officials concerned would be dealt with in accordance with the rules of the service, but it was quite possible that another eourse should be taken. Outside of these men altogether the report and evidence would be dealt with, but not until after the land question had been disposed of. The House must clearly understand that he was not going to disorganise business but an opportunity would be given to consider the Auditor-General's report. He was not going to allow those who had wronged him and who had lowered the tone of Parliament to fix the date and hour for the discussion. With regard to Mir Taylor's remarks, lie would treat them with the contempt they deserved. He thought the time had come when Ministers should not be attacked by members on the strength of information gained from sources that were tainted and involved in dishonor. In conclusion he assured the House that an opportunity would l>e afforded later on to consider the whole matter.