HOIST WITH HIS OWN PETARD.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14341, 10 July 1914, Page 3

HOIST WITH HIS OWN PETARD.

“REFORMER’S” CHARGE AGAINST PUBLIC SERVANTS. A MINISTERIAL REBUKE.

(By Telegraph.—Special to Herald.) WKEiLfNG (ON, July *»• In the course of his contribution to the Addross-in-Keply debate. to-night, the member for Taamarumii waxed very wrathful at what ho termed espionage among public .servants on behalf of the Opposition. In tones raucous with indignation ho cried. “There are men in the phalie service who are paid spies ol the Opposition, paid by the Government to give information to the Opposition. These agitators. I call them, do everything possible to injure (lie Government, (.'rants arc being wasted in a shocking way, overseers V.ro fooling with the cooperate ie labourers, and acting as spies for the Opposition.”

Sir Dave.v —Have you reported it to the Minister?

“Yon leave me alone, I know what I am doing.” retorted Mr Wilson truculently . “I say there are men in the public service of this typo whoso one object is to discredit the Government.” Unfortunately for this loud assertion ov Taumaranni’s member, it fell athwart the well-known rigid scruples of the Hon. Mr Fraser for uncompromising accuracy. “If the lion, gentleman will formulate charges against these officers, giving names, work affected, and localities, I will have an inquiry and sec that it does not occur again,” said the Minister of Public Works, adding pointedly, “Hot I am bound to say that some individuals have already complained to me, saving they could not get work because the gangers would not give it to them. When, however, 1 made inouiries, the very men who made the complaints positively declared that they know nothing about the matter, and had never made any complaints. I feel it my duty to make this statement in view of the lion, gentleman’s remarks,” concluded Mr Fraser, amidst Opposition applause.