THOSE INVITATIONS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCIV, Issue 14521, 17 August 1911, Page 5

THOSE INVITATIONS.

A CURIOUS EXPLANATION. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Aug. 16. In the House this afternoon, Mr Herdman moved for a return of all correspondence relating to the invitations to Members of Parliament to the Coronation. Ho said the whole matter was shrouded in mystery. Probably, as some one had stated, Sir Joseph Ward wished to bo the only pebble on tho beach. Mr Millar said there was no one in the House who could hand tho correspondence over. A portion of it was confidential. He was sure the whole matter would bo properly cleared up. Publicity was given to the correspondence when it was received. Ho was responsible for the invitations not being forwarded to Members of the Legislative Council because lie thought it an insult to members to offer to pay their expenses. Further, it was an insult to the country. There was a condition that though hospitality would be extended to members, there was nothing to show that tho same would be extended to their wives and daughters. Tho invitation did not come from the Home Government, but from a committee. This country should have paid the cost of sending members Home. As far as the Government was concerned on Sir Joseph Ward's return the whola of the correspondence in connection with tho invitations would be placed before the House.

Mr Massey said if the correspondence was to be laid on the table Ministers should vote _ for Mr Herdman's motion. He did not agree with Mr Millar's attitude in connection with the invitations to the Legislative Council.

Messrs Arnold, Hanan, Hogan and Forbes desired tlie fullest information on the matter, and the debate was adjourned at 5.30.