SLANDER ON M.P.'S

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 296, 10 September 1919, Page 7

SLANDER ON M.P.'S

RETURNED SOLDIERS'CONDEMNATION "DASTARDLY & VILLAINOUS" The reflections on tho war servico of members of Parliament' published in the "Maoriland Worker" were condemned at last night's meeting of the. Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association.

Tho matter was brought forward by Mr. Mamius Badger, who moved:— That .this meeting deplores the publication of an article in tho "Maoriland Worker" reflecting on soldier members of Parliament, and demands from said newspaper a eomuleto retraction and apology. Seeing that, the writer is not identified -at . this present meeting, the executive be requested, to fully inquire into the matter, and, if tho author of the article is found to be a member of this association, that ho be at once excelled. Sneaking to the motion, Mr. Badger mentioned that Mr. H. E. Holland, M.P.. had mentioned in the House that the article had been written by a returned soldier.

Mr. J. MlCenzie amendment that the meeting proceed to tlie next business. Editors and proprietors of newspapers, he said, took full responsibility for anything that was published. The matter had been discussed fullymore fullv than was necessary—in the Houso of Representatives. Labour members of tho House had aheady condemned what was published in >the "Maoriland Worker," and'in tin's week's issue a full apology was made' and regret oxpressed that the article had been allowed to appear. The speaker thought that that should settle the matter...

"I don't think 'wo should consider what, the Labour members think about it or what tho 'Maoriland Worker* people do." said Mr. W. Hawkins. "It is a Question of what returned soldiers think about it. (Hear,', hear.) 'I take it we returned soldiers are guardians of one another's. reputation and honour, and I sav as far as I am concerned that never vet in my experience, and it is a fairlv long, one, have I met with a dirtier,' more contemptible, or more damnable insult than was offered in that article. If wo don't show our utter contempt for that article then we are not doing bur duty towards those, men, who, like ourselves, took risks in France.' (Applause.) Tho amendment was lost, and the motion was carried amidst cheers.?