" INTIMIDATION "

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 February 1912, Page 2

" INTIMIDATION "

"Of Labour Members."

FULL TEXT OF MR ROBERTSON'S SPEECH. (Special to The Horowhenua Chronicle.) The full text of the speech delivered in the House of Representatives last night by Mr Robertson, M.P. for this electorate, is as lowerMr Speaker,—l rise to speak to the motion now before the House. I feel that it is a matter that is of special importance to one in the position of a Labour member in this House at the present time. It is a serious matter that a charge of the nature contained in the document under consideration should be made against a member of this House and that an opportunity should not be afforded of SIFTING THOSE CHARGES to the bottom, and clearing the character of the member involved. I feel, sir, as a colleague, as a Labour member, and an one standing on the same platform as the member lor Grey Lynn, that this matter is one that specially concerns the Labour members of this House. The matter that I wish particularly to draw the' attention of the House to alibis tim eis this: That at this juncture a charge of this nature assumes a special significance, in view of the other resolution that is before the House in the name of the Leader 01 the Opposition. I feel, sir, that when immediately after a member who had pledged himself to vote in a particular way on that motion announces to the House that for reasons he at least considers quite sufficient, he has decided to vote in another direction, and that immediately thereafter a charge of this nature should be brought up, I feel that that charge, and the course of action pursued by those bringing up that charge, is designed with a view of

INTIMIDATING THOSE LABOUR

MEMBERS

who havo not yet intimated their oourse of action. I feel, sir, as one of those, that I have a particular interest in seeing this matter sifted to the bottom. It may be that the Labour memberg in this House at the present time feel, in view of the situation tha th&s arisen, that they may bo able to keep their pledges in the actual spirit while at the same time voting in a way that will keep the Liberal party on the Ministerial benolies. I say that such, may be the case, and I believe that the hen. gentlemen sitting on my right — knowing tfiat such is the case—have had this brought up with the intention of intimidating these members and holding over them a threat of political assassination by slanderous insinuation and rumours. I know as a fact that these rumours are already being spread about in regard to those members who have not yet declared how they intend to vote on this resolution and I say that a course of action such ns this is an indication of HOW LOW \XZ HAVE COME in our party tactics in order to further party interests. I speak under considerable feeling of indigation in regard to the situation that has arisen. I feel that no such charge should be made against a man unless those making the charge are willing to bring forward whatever proof they may have or unless the parties making the charge are willing to give the member involved an opportunity of getting to the bottom of the statements and pinning down this slanderer and punishing him as he ought to be punished should they prove untrue. I hope that this matter will be repudiated by the gentlemen on my right. 1 appeal to their chivalry to support the resolution now before the House, and give my colleague an opportunity to clear ihis character and let the actual facts be known in the interests not only of the hon. gentlemen in question, but in the interests of every member in this House.