11

r.—7

Mr. M. Myers: I Lave already stated that T shall feel it extremely difficult to undertake the inquiry until to-morrow morning. Bight lion". Sir J. G. Ward: I want to say that I am not represented by counsel and do not intend to be, so I wish to make the position clear. Before Mr. Allen: I do not think this is quite fair. Sir Joseph Ward is not interested in charge No. 1. Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward: I want to take an opportunity of saying to the Committee that I accept the apology and withdrawal that Mr. Massey made in the House yesterday. It was an unreserved apology and an unreserved withdrawal, and as a gentleman to a gentleman Mr. Allen: T rise to a point of order. Tarn sorry to interrupt, but we are not dealing with that point. Mr. Payne: I am interested in this case with Sir Joseph Ward and Mr. Brown, and I think the Premier is right in making the remarks he has. Mr. Allen: My point is that Sir Joseph Ward is making a statement dealing with No. 2 while we are dealing with No. 1. Mr. Veitch: No. 1 says Mr. Payne has been " squared " by Sir Joseph Ward. Bight Hon. Sir J. G. Ward: I have got an impression that lam in the whole lot. I want to continue the observation I was making by saying that I heard Mr. Massey's speech last night, which was a full withdrawal of the alleged imputation against me. On the spur of the moment I felt inclined to get up in the House and say I accepted the withdrawal as it was made unreservedly, and I want to say to the Committee that I accept the apology and withdrawal in the spirit in which it was made in the House. I think in connection with it the statement made in the House by Mr. Massey ought to go on record as well. I would like to say I hope Mr. Massey will, in the interests of everybody, induce the gentleman who wrote that letter—which was a grave reflection and was the cause of Mr. Masse} , ' making his statement —to come here and take full authority for that letter, because I think, although members concerned have absolved Mr. Massey from blame, all the circumstances should be probed to the bottom for the good of this country. I do not think the Committee should adjourn on No. 3 to-day. No. 3 can be cleared up irrespective of Mr. Massey. I want to point out to the Committee Mr. M. Myers: What I want to ask is whether Sir Joseph Ward is counsel for anybody in this inquiry. I understand there is a charge against Mr. Beed: Is Mr. Myers appearing for No. 3? Mr. M. Myers: No, but I apprehend that Mr. Reed will be fair enough to see that Mr. McMaster, who is not represented here for the moment, is not prejudiced. Mr. McMaster does not understand the rules in this sort of thing. Mr. Beed: I think, as we have to call upon Mr. McMaster, he will answer for himself. Mr. M. Myers: Is it fair that a gentleman who is not a member of this Committee, before his case is called on, and before Mr. McMaster has had a chance of saying anything at all, should be, allowed to address this Committee. Bight Hon. Sir J. G. Ward: Mr. Myers rose to a point of order. I would like to say to my learned friend, as the phrase goes in the Courts, that I have the right to represent myself. If Mr. McMaster wants time 1 presume he will raise the point. I want the whole of the circumstances probed to the bottom in connection with this No. 1 charge, so that if we trace the people who are maligning public men and without cause Mr. M. Myers: Again I protest against speeches of this kind. Surely the merits of the case should not be gone into at this stage. Bight Hon. Sir J. G. Ward: Very well, as 1 am not accustomed to being interrupted I will not proceed any further. The Chairman: I will put the amendment to the motion that we do adjourn until Wednesday at half past TO. Tt was moved by the Hon. Mr. Millar that the words "Wednesday at half past 10 " be struck out, with a view to inserting the words " 3 o'clock on Tuesday " (to-day). Mr. Massey: I am thinking of what is suggested now, that the Committee should be allowed to sit this afternoon. I would ask honourable gentlemen to think of the position lam placed in. We have a no-confidence motion before the House, in which every speaker refers to me and criticizes the leader of the Opposition. It is hardly fair to ask me to leave the House to attend this.Committee under such circumstances. T want to facilitate matters as much as possible, but I understand the position thoroughly that I am placed in. Mr. Beed: I can see the force of what Mr. Massey says, and I seconded the Minister's proposition, but I certainly overlooked that aspect of the matter. After the remarks Mr. Massey has made T cannot see my" way to support bringing the Committee here this afternoon while the House is sitting. 1 think it is'very unfortunate. T think Mr. Massey is to blame for not bringing the matter on, because we put the meeting off purposely to enable Mr. Massey to bring his witnesses here. He was to bring Iris witnesses down by last night's train. T cannot second the Hon. Mr. Millar's proposition because Bight Hon. Sir J. G. Ward: Might I make a suggestion? I recognize Mr. Allen : Sir Joseph Ward is not a member of the Committee, and I object. Bight Hon. Sir J. G. Ward: I suggest, to enable this Committee to have a clear road to go on, that if Mr. Massey is agreeable we should adjourn the House until half past 7 to-night, so as to enable members of the Committee and others interested to come here quite unrestrainedly— — Mr. M. Myers: In this matter Mr. Massey must act under my advice. I am here as his counsel, and T have asked, and T know why I have asked, for an adjournment until to-morrow Mr. Russell: I think there is a great deal in what Mr. Massey has said with regard to his being in the House, and under the circumstances T have not forced the position, but I shall vote against any adjournment whatever.