POLITICAL ITEMS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13836, 23 February 1909, Page 3

POLITICAL ITEMS.

REPLY TO MR MASSEY. P-sr Press Association. AUCKLAND, Feb. 22. ' The Premier, in an interview, said that the statements made at Hawera by Mr Massey, to the effect that the Government had been guilty of improper tactics in the sole interest of the party, and bribery expenditure and promising of billets, etc., for the reward of party services, were absolutely contrary to fact. He challenged Mr Massey to name any specific case. In regard to Mr ' McGowan's retirement, Sir J. G. Ward said there was not the slightest difference of opinion on questions of policy between Mr McGowan and himself. The further assertion that Mr McGowan had declined to retire was without the slightest foundation. In regard to Mr Ngata's appointment, Sir J. G. Ward said the responsible Minister was not relieved of his obligations. The political undersecretary could act in many ni&tters, though not where Ministerial reLpcnsibility were called for.