PARLIAMENT AT WORK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16833, 8 September 1922, Page 6

PARLIAMENT AT WORK.

LIBERAL V. REFORM. (Special to th> ei Star.’ 3 ELLINGTON, September 7. The election tours of Liberal members received some attention when the Bread discussion was in progress in the House. Mr Massey said that Mr Masters was present at the Feilding meeting when Mr Cobbe had; made his statement. If he himself had been present at- the meeting and had heard such a statement made about his political opponents, which he knew to be incorrect. t he would have taken the opportunity before the meeting ended of putting the matter right. Mr Forbes (sarcastically): “ Oh. you would? ” A Reform member: “ It is a flying squadron going round the country.” Another member: l{ A lying squadThe Prime Minister: ”1 am going to see these calls are returned.” Mr Forbes: “ There will he a very merry time.” Mr Veitch remarked: ‘ Mr Cobbe will 1> here to speak for himself next year.” The Prime Minister; “Mr Oobhe will he in company with the- honoraremember. His place which knew him once will know him no more forever.” DESTITUTE MAORIS. There appears to be the possibility of some restriction being placed upon the gatherings of Maoris that have been held lately to meet Rat-ana. In the House to-day, Mr Glenn (Rangitikei) drew attention to a press telegram which stated that the Natives at some of the settlements along the Wanganui River were destitute. ’ It was stated that in some places the Natives had impoverished themselves by travelling and accumulating supplies for Katana’s meetings and Mr Glenn asked if the Minister of Native Affairs would have the statement investigated and see that the Natives did not leave their children unattended. The Hon J. G. Coates said that the statement was certainly very serious. He did not know how far they could go in restricting Natives from travelling. but it was certain that they could not allow' religious fanaticisms to interfere with the ordinary everyday life of the Natives. If. as was suggested, money was being dissipated in travel or to assist others to travel and that the Natives were being reduced to a state of poverty, h© would ask the Government to take a certain line of action. He would obtain a report from the Native Department.