OUTSPOKEN MINISTER.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1309, 24 April 1918, Page 8

OUTSPOKEN MINISTER.

PLAIN WORDS TO DEPUTATION. [Special to The Sun.l WELLINGTON, April 23. Allegations of political and sectarian action against certain members of the Police Force were made by a deputation representing the Protestant Political Association Conference, which waited on the Minister of Justice (Hon. T. M. Wilford) this afternoon. One charge was that a police constable had taken part in acts of rowdyism at a meeting in Wellington addressed by the Prime Minister, and had received no adequate punishment. Mr Wilford said he would look up the official reports. He was not prepared in the meantime to accept as accurate the copies produced by the Rev. Howard Elliott. If the 'facts were as represented, he would know what to do and would have no hesitation in doing it. "I am going to uphold law and order at public meetings," added the Minister of Justice. "I am going, however, to make this perfectly clear, that while as Minister of Justice 1 maintain law and order, there are limits of the endurance of casual audiences. I guarantee that I could get you gentlemen ramping mad in five minutes." Mr Elliott: We would not attempt to sandbag you if you did get us mad. Mr Wilford: If you get up in a public place and make statements that invite a row, you must not be surprised if the row comes. That should be well understood. Mr Wilford added that he would deal with the matters brought before him fairly and promptly. If his replies did not satisfy the deputation, he cared not. As long as he satisfied himself he knew that he was doing the fair thing. Mr Elliott: We don't want any concessions. Mr Wilford: You won't get any.