JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 29 September 1920, Page 4

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

(Our Parliamentary Correspondent.)

LEADER OF OPPOSITION. WELLINGTON, Sept. 28

I wish to raise the question -ns to whether the member for Hutt is entitled to be addressed as the Leader of the Oppositon, iii view of the fact that he was only elected as the Party leader, at a meeting of seven members, said Mr McCombs (Lyttelton), in the House today. Mr McCombs is Whip of the Labour Party. He proceeded to assert that the official Liberal group is not capable of functioning as an Opposition. Its existence on the Opposition benches was therefore irregular and anomalous. It was in agreement with Government on, all important questions.

Mr Wilford speaking to the point of order said the hon gentleman is a member of a party that has only half the number of members of the Liberal Party.

The Speaker said lie had been informed that the Member for Hutt bass been properly elected Leader of the Opposition.

Mr McCombs—By seven members. The Speaker—Until I hear to the contrary I shall take it for granted that 1 e is Leader of the Opposition. The House then proceeded to other business. CHINESE IN SAMOA. The House had another long evening on the indentured Labour question, the subject being raised in connection with the Treaties of Peace Amendment Bill, which extends for twelve months the existing administration in Samoa. Labour members and others traversed much well worn ground. It was stated during the debate that Chinese could not be indentured before leaving China and that indentured labourers were not allowed to be carried in British ships. The Chinese were taken to Samoa and indentured after their arrival. It was stated the conditions of employment were explained carefully to the men in China* and three days then elapsed before the terms were explained again. The Chinese went willingly to Samoa, The Bill was passed after several proposed amendments opposing indentured Labour had been defeated.