“FANTASTIC CHARGE” SAYS MINISTER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18208, 15 July 1927, Page 5

“FANTASTIC CHARGE” SAYS MINISTER.

DENIES REPORT OF INCIDENT DURING SAMOAN VISIT. (Special to the “Star. ") WELLINGTON, Julv 15. The lion W. Nosworthy in the House this afternoon raise da question of privilege arising from a question by Mr J, A. Lee (Auckland East) asking what steps he proposed to take following the publication of the “ Samoa Guardian,” alleging that when the National Anthem was being played in Samoa the Minister jumped into his cr and was withdrawn by his Undersecretary to stand to attention. The Minister declared that he was bound to take notice of the fantastic charge which laid him open to opprobrium in the eyes of the Samoans. The facts were that after a long meeting with the Citizens Committee in a hot, tense atmosphere, he was an hour ltae for luncheon at Vailima and he hurried int a waiting car. He was greeted by the natives utside and ackfoot inside the car the first notes of the Band were heard. lie had no reason to suppose that part of the stage management was the playing of the National Anthem, but he stepped back and stood to attention. “ I am advised,” added Mr Nosworthy, “ that a charge of criminal libel would lie against the publisher of the statement. I do not in t.he meantime propose to pursue that course, as it would necessitate my return to Samoa, which at present is impossible.”