GOVERNOR IN HOT WATER

Taranaki Daily News, 17 December 1926, Page 9

GOVERNOR IN HOT WATER

“AN INDISCREET SPEECH” A HUMOROUS ATTEMPT EXPLANATION ADV AN CE D By Telegraph—PrM» Assn.—Caper.sht. Received Dec. 16, 5.5 p.m. Hobart, Dec. 16. The Governor, Sir Janies . Grady, got into hot water over a speech at a school gathering. Referring to a Bill which the Assembly passed and the Council threw out, he said he would like to say something very strong about the Council. He regretted it was a controversial matter about which he could not speak. The matter was referred to in the Legislative Council, where Mr. Edwards protested against the Governor’s speech, which, he contended, was a breach of privilege. He had forgotten he stood in the position of Governor; he had forgotten the traditions of his office and the invariable conduct of his master, the King. Mr. Shields described the Governor’s remarks as unwise, indiscreet and improper. Received Dec. 16, 8.45 p.m. Hobart, Dec. 16.

Sir James O'Grady has explained that the alleged objectionable speech was an attempt on his part to be humorous. When he saw the speech in print the next day he was surprised. He added that perhaps his humour was crude, but anyway, so that he might be thoroughly understood now, he agreed that he had no right within his commission to criticise any work of either House of Parliament or to join in any political controversy.