DEPOSED CHAIRMAN

Evening Star, Issue 19665, 19 September 1927, Page 6

DEPOSED CHAIRMAN

LIVELY INTERLUDE IN HOUSE EXPECTED " STAB IN THE BACK,” SAYS MB HARRIS [Feom Cue Parliamentary t vi:ro2xr.E.j "WELLINGTON, September 19. More than passing interest has been aroused in parliamentary circles by the fact that Mr Hasris (Waitemnta) has been dropped as chairman of the Industries and Commerce Committee; and it is understood that the matter is to be raised in the House on tho first opportunity. Several members have intimated that they intend to speak, and Mi> Harris himself will have something pointed to say. It is known that Mr Harris had an assurance from the Prime Minister this session that tho Government contemplated no change in the chairmanship, and when tho committee was appointed the fact that Mr Harris was included was taken as an indication that he would continue to he chairman.

Discussing the matter this morning with your representative, Mr Harris said the whole thing was too contemptible for words. It would never have happened,, ho said, had the full committee been present last week, when tho first meeting of the session _ was held. However, there were only six in attendance.

“I place all the blame bn the Hon. A. B M'Leod. It was a stab "in the back with a poisoned dagger, politically speaking. It would be an insult to all Hie other members of the committee to imagine that any other one could be so small.”

A lively interlude is expected when the matter is discussed in the House.

[Mr Harris is one of the Reform members who have shown some independence. Ho voted against tho Government on the Laud and Income Tax Bill.]