INDISCRETIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 July 1924, Page 4

INDISCRETIONS.

PREMIER ON ENGLISH EXFERI-

rxc'ES.

CH ARC E AGAINST A JOURNALIST. (.Lyttelton Times Correspondent). WELLINGTON, July 8. The Prime Minister having been reminded by Opposition speakers of his indiscretion in interfering in the British elections, he answered them tonight, making a sensational countercharge against a journalist who visited New Zealand.

Mr .Massey said that he had half a dozen invitations to address British election meetings on behalf of candidates, hut always said “No.” On ono occasion when an interviewer was try-

ing to get .something from him regarding the election he succeeded to a certain extent, hut not enough to say that he took part in it. “I did say,” continued Mr Massey, “that I would like to see more patriotism and less party.” -M r Forbes : Xot ;i word ? -Mr Sidey: What about the Belfast speech? Mr .Massey; I told the citizens of Belfast that I intended to send some New Zealand citizens to look at them, and I would like to see the lion gentleman there. Two or three of those little party hacks', the "Daily News” and "Daily Herald.” took ii up, hut this was of not much consequence. There was a lot of propaganda going on. and telegrams went from New Zealand to certain journalists in England asking them "Lo make it hot for .Massey.” lie asked Mr Wilford if he know Julian Grande. Mr Wilford; Yes. Mr .Massey: And the lion, gentleman was in communication with him. .Mr Wilford: He was in my room. Mr Massey: I thought so. That is siillicient.

Mr Wilford: Go on with vour story. M.r .Massey: 1 have told the story, (nit so far as Mr Grande is concerned he’ took an article to a gentleman in the employ of the High Commissioner and showed it to him and said: “I can get this published in any paper in London, unless voil find me more re. nmnerntivo employment.” Mr .Massey, continuing his referwnec to Belfast, said that al the time of his visit all hut two of the members were elected, and people knew who would bo the remaining two. He look the opportunity of reminding tlie people of Britain’s former supremacy in industry, and the great change which had come when the countries to which it formerly sent machinery and manufactured goods were sending their products into Britain, lie pointed out they could never recover their prosperity under such conditions. The "Manchester Guardian” found fault with him, declaring that this "petted son of the Empire was finding fault with the Empire.” "Why choiild I not;-" continued Mr Masse.v. “Am I not a British citizen As a mailer of fuel, from a public viewpoint I could have as much say in the affairs of England as any other mail. I went to the poll at a local election ill London lo test the question whether I had a right to vote, and the man in charge said ‘Yes.’ That shows that I have rights as n British citizen." The Crime Minister added that during the war lie and the ('oniniunwealth I’rime Minister became vice-presidents ol an organisation started in promote

Imperial preference. , A .KH'RXALISTK' VENTURE. 1 The "Mam he-ler Guardian” asked him for an article on Empire preference. lie wrote -illl'J words, and they published it with his photo, on top (laughteri—and sent him a cheque for ten guineas. (Renewed laughter). "Well, it was well earned.” protested Mr Massey laughingly. " I lien they suddenly discovered that I was inter-, feriug with British polilies. The poor old 'Guardian' woke up. though I had: been interfering for years.’'' J Mr Limestone: Did you send tbe tenner back * j

Mr Ma»aj : Not I. (I.uild laughter.) Mr Wilford. re mg at the end <>l the Prime Mlui-ior's speech, said that there had been an insinuation that lie was insirumenial in some way in sond-

ing to suing Knglish newspapers inaterial iliiit would injure Mr Massey. lie would give tloti :• n ciupliiiUc denial. It was a wicked lie if anyljodv said so. .M.r Ciando was in New Zealand wl on Parliament was sitting last year. ami lie did lince an interview with tlie speaker. .Mr Cramle called on liim to speak of Ids wife’s sister, wlm liad keen a personal ifiend ot tile speaker. .Mr Cramle talked akoiit polities, mid Miliseipienl ly put in the “Daily Telegraph" an alleged interview with him. wiiieh was supposed to he a summary of what took place. Mr Willord added that lie l"tt New Zealand in September, and wa- away (ill -January, lie was tkus i u the Hast Ihe whole lime .Mr Massey was in Knglaml, telnefore how could lie have seal any statement to an Knglish newspaper regarding the Prime Minister 'r “I resent the innuendo and te linli-t ruth.” concluded Mr Willord. Itising to further explanation. Mr Massey repeated the statement regarding Mr Grande, which, he said, was absolutelv eorreet.

Mr Wilford: That had nothing to do with me.