PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 25 July 1917, Page 1

PARLIAMENT

ihe house. WELLINGTON July 24. The House met at 2.30., p.m.. After replies to questions Mr. Reed resumed the debate on the Addressin Reply. It was continued by Mr. Forties. Hon. Ilerdman, Dr. Thacker, : i'd llr. Rhodes (Thames. At the dose of Mr. Rhodes” speech .Mr. M assay rose and iii reply to a remark made by Mr. Forbes during the a. arnoon said HiM the reason Sir Jo-' sepli Ward was nqt at the deputation, if the Second Division which waited on him (Mr. Massey) was that his private secretary luid confused the dates of the two deputations from the same body.; He deprecated tlie suggestion made that lie had purposely left Sir Joseph, WarcVout- of the. deputation. Mr. Forbes explained that lie had been informed of the deputation from the Second Division League and lie immediately saw Sir Joseph Ward, who said that he knew nothing ol the matter. .. ' ■ , . Sir Joseph Ward said that he was glad of the opportunity to refer to the matter as lie was afraid that tlie impression had got abroad that lie, had* been invited t° the deputation and had refrained from attending. He had nof, been invited, but be was quite sure that if the Premier had known that he was expected there lie (Mr. Massey) would have been very glad to have him there. He hoped that the matter would now drop. Mr. .Massey said that he. was pleased to know that Sir Joseph Ward was, satisfied. No discourtesy was intended. Tlie adjournment of the debate was moved by Air. W. Nosworthy and the House rose at 11 o’cldc-k. •