A PARLIAMENTARY BREEZE.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 July 1924, Page 1

A PARLIAMENTARY BREEZE.

(Lyttelton Times Correspondent)

M’ELLINGTON, July I. Trouble was simmering ill the House to-day for tile first time this session, and .Mr Masters, member for Stratford, who followed a strong party speech by the Minister of Agriculture added fuel to the llamcs. He began a vigorous speech by quoting criticisms levelled at the Reform Government by the Him A. T). M'Leod before that member accepted office as Minister of Lands, and also hy various bodies of business men throughout the country. Speaking of the Rev Howard Elliott, lie described that gentleman as a “bosom friend of the Prime Minister.” Mr Massey: That statement is absolutely contrary to fact. Mr Masters: Don’t you like him? M'ell Howard Elliott was a bosom friend of the Prime Minister. Mr Masscv: Never!

Mr Masters: Evidently there hasbeen a bit of a split. Mr Glenn: P>.iv the game.

M.r Massey: I believe you never played a game that was not crooked. (Fproar). ■Mr Masters: 1 have played many a game and many a fairer game than tho member for Rangitikei. Mr Speaker: Order! Order! T desire if possible to allow some latitude regarding interjections, provided they are courteous. If interjections are persisted in so much as to interfere with debate 1 must stop all interjections.

Mr M’ilford, on a point of order: The Prime Minister has just stated across the floor of tlio House to the member for Stratford that lie. never played a game that was not crooked. I ask that that he withdrawn.

Mr M assey: That will depend upon M.r Speaker. If you, sir, say tile words I used are out of order of course I withdraw them.

Mr Speaker: Do I understand that you made use of the. words? Mr Massey: I said I believed the member for Stratford never played a game that was not crooked. Mr Speaker: I must ask- you to withdraw. Mr Massey: In deference to your ruling 1 must ask leave to withdraw the words..

Turning to Air Masters the Prime Minister added, “Play the game now.”

M.r Masters, continuing, said that whether he was a bosom friend or not, they knew that the Rev Howard Elliott got right behind the Prime Minister at each election for the purpose of putting him in power, and the Prime Minister utilised his servecs for all he could and kept hmself in power. A Reform member: Work up the religious stunt. Another Reform member: Whom have von behind you ?

Mr Smith: The people. (Liberal applause). Mr .Masters quoted with approval a Press prediction that it the Reform Party went to the polls to-ihly it would lie defeated.

Sir Heaton Rhodes: Try it. Mr Masters: We are prepared to try it any moment you like. (Reform laughter and uproar). Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Masters: I would tell the Minister of Defence we are prepared to try it any time. (Ministerial cries of “Bluff".”)

Mr Masters added that in regard to Mr Massey outdoing the record of Mr Seildon lie could never do that. "Seddoii’s record is not measured hy the time he was in office, it is measured by what lie did for the uplifting of the masses of the people of this Dominion.” (.(lore uproar).