MISREPRESENTED.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1919, Page 1

MISREPRESENTED.

LIBERAL LEADER 1 HITS OUTWellington, Sept 13. Sir Joseph Ward said in the House yesterday afternoon that lie wanted

to refer to two matters in which he had been misrepresented on the previous evening during tbe debate on I s the report of the Industries Committee. The chairman of the Committee ; (Mr C. A. Wilkinson) had said that the recommendations of the Cost of Living Commission had got short }shrift from the Leader of the Opposi- , lion. Where did Mr Wilkinson get that statement from ? Mr Wilkiuson ; “ Hansard ! ” 1 Sir Joseph Ward; Well, I am going to quote “Hansard.” ■ Sir Joseph said that in his absence Mr VYilkinson bad made a statement which was contrary to fact, and be ; referred him to the copy of “ Hansard ” which would show this to be the ease. There it would be seen that Sir Joseph had said that he was in favour of doing everything that was possible -to reduce the cost of living, lie thong-lit- exactly tlie same as other of the House 1 did of Mr fWilkinson, and that was mighty little, |’He had learned to realise what polijjtical humbugs were long ago, and the gentleman was one of fthem. Sir Joseph- further characterised Mr Wilkinson’s attitude as one of supreme effrontery.” He (Sir iJoseph) had been trying to reduce the cost of living throughout the War. i to had never had anything to do with the Cost of Living Act, but he did liis best to reduce the cost ot living, and Tor a member to make a statement of

ike sort made by Mr Wilkinson in liis absence was net only against fact, but was a piece of political effrontery of the worst kind. It was the sort of statement that an unprincipled person outside the House would use to damage a political opponent. Respecting wheat he thought the Prime Minister had- unintentionally misrepresented him. Me did not suggest that portions of New Zealand could not grow first-class wheat, but ho wished to emphasise that, for certain reasons, we did not grow enough for our own needs. Even with a guaranteed price our production was far short of our requirements. In all probability we would have to import more wheat in the coming year than fa the past year.

J Mr Wilkinson said that he regretted that anything lie had said should have provoked annoyance. He had not intended an attack or any reflection on Sir Joseph Ward. If there had been a misconception because of what he said, he desired to tender an apology. He had referred to the debate on the Cost of Living report, and thought from Sir - Joseph Ward’s speech on that occasion that be was i.ot in favour of the recommendations I lien made. He believed, however, that Sir Joseph was just as de.-irous as others to see the cost of living reduced. Me assured Sir Joseph Ward that he had uot intended to be i nfair to him.

Sir Joseph Ward said lie unreservedly accepted Mr Wilkinson’s assurance.