HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13775, 16 July 1913, Page 5

HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP.

NOT BARGAINED FOR.

Mil. MASSEY REFUTES A CHARGE.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Wellington, July 15. In the course of a vigorous speech in tho House lost night the Prime Minister referred to the allegation made by members of the Opposition that the High Commissionership- was a price paid for power. . % "It is the first I have heard ot it," explained tho Hon. Mr Massey. "There was no bargain." Mr. Watty: One of your own men

said «o. Tho Prime Minister: No one was ever approached on this side of the House. It makes not the slightest difference to us, but it is only fair to an absent in an that I should say wliat I have said. Mr. Witty •. Now he is on your siae. Tire statement is correct anyhow. Mr. Ma^s-ey: Nothing of the .sort. Nothing in tho form of bargaining over •took place. Mr. Thomas Mackenzie was never .approached in regard to tho position before the election. rlhero was no question of bargaining. Members on the other siclo of the House were too anxious looking for a stick with which to beat tho Government, and wore simply making themselves ridiculous, and" bunging themselves into contempt.