"HAD ABOUT ENOUGH OF IT."

Otago Witness, Issue 2955, 2 November 1910, Page 34

"HAD ABOUT ENOUGH OF IT."

HEATED REMARK BY THE PRIME MINISTER. GTaou Oub Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, October 25. Whilst the new taxing proposals were under consideration in. the House of Representatives to-night the Prime Minister became much annoyed because Mr G. W. Russell, a member of hie party, joined with members of the Opposition in disputing the necessity for the suggested additional revenue. " The Opposition," said v Sir Joseph Ward, "is trying to weaken the finances of this country, but I am not going to allow it to do it. It cares nothing about the responsibility. It is its object to try to relieve certain people who get £7OO 'and upwards from contributing their fair share towards defence. Members: Oh, nonsense! Sir Joseph Ward (warmly) : I don't object to the Opposition doing this, but I do object to meril>ers on my own side opposing my proposals ; in fact, I have had about enough of it. At this stage Sir Joseph Ward was cut short, by various interruptions, or he have still further unburdened hjniself. Speaking later, Mr Russell said that he would advise the Prime Minister to keep cool. So far as he was concerned, if he thought that a mistake was being made or there was room for criticism, he would sneak his mind. He was not going to sit with his mouth closed if he thought a mistake was being made. When he did any criticising his criticism was genuine. Ultimately Mr Russell cast his vote in the proposal under discussion with the Prime Minister.