MUST HAVE BEEN “MISREPORTED.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17881, 24 June 1926, Page 14

MUST HAVE BEEN “MISREPORTED.”

SIR J. PARR’S SPEECH AND PREMIER’S BELIEF. (Special to the “ Star. ”) WELLINGTON, June 23 The attention of the Prime Minister was called by Mr Fraser (Wellington Central) to a statement made by Sir James Parr, High Commissioner, immediately on his arrival in London, on the subject of the immigration group settlement scheme in West Australia, and the contradiction to the statement issued by the Agent-General for West Australia. Mr Fraser added a query, “whether in view of the bad impression created, the Prime Minister would undertake, on behalf of the Parliament and people of the Dominion, to give instructions to the High Commissioner that all statements made by him, particularly those referring to other British dominions or foreign countries, should be based upon ascertained facts, and that any violation of this ethic and etiquette in regard to other British dominions or foreign Powers will be looked upon with grave concern?” The question had been intended for the order paper, but the Prin#: Minister answered at once. lie made the suggestion that Sir James Parr must have been misreported. At least that, he said, would be his position until Sir James had intimated to him that it was substantially correct. ‘‘l am quite certain from what I know of Sir James Parr that he is quite seized of the position he occupies, and I believe his judgment will be such that it will, be of great assistance to him, and his attitude will help the Government to have friendly relations in every instance with our sister dominions, and that he will not draw any contrasts which will be unwise. I will make inquiry, but I am sufficiently sure he ha? been misreported.”