OFFENSIVE REFLECTIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17067, 27 July 1917, Page 2

OFFENSIVE REFLECTIONS

PROTESTS IN PARLIAMENT. (FbOSI Odb Own COEBESPOHDENT.) WELLINGTON, July 25 10-day Mr Payne asked the Minister of Defence whether the ."-ma of two wellknown men, 'whom he ..uncd, had enlisted for active service.

Sir James Alien was able to make an early reply in the affirmative. Mr Payne's action led Sir Joseph Ward to protest. He said that if everyone was going to be liable to haye his name publicly mentioned because it suited the purpose of certain parties no one would be safe. Before these things were publicly mentioned the member making , the inquiries should interview the Minister, and, if not satisfied with his reply, ho could mention the matter in the House. There should bo an effort on the part of everybody to prevent disunion during the war, and there should bo unity. Tho I weaker said ho took it that, under the Standing Orders, ho had no option but to allow tho questions to be addressed, but ho took it that, if it was a general wish of the House that he should use the authority referred to, it might be done under the circumstances. Mr Massoy said he thought the House would support tho Speaker in the matter every time. Notes to members' ' questions could also very well bo left out. They simply expressed the opinions of tho member asking tho qucebiou. The Speaker said the notes were sometimes very much revised before they wont on the Order Paper. Tho asking of questions without notice had been verv much abused. Those should only bo of an urgent nature, and should not comprise those which could go on tho Order Paper in tho ordinary way.