WARM EPISODE.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1924, Page 1

WARM EPISODE.

PREMIER AND .MR WJLEOJMX WELLINGTON. July IS. “What a farce it is,” exclaimed Air M ilford, after Air Holland had protested that the House was entitled to have an opportunity to examine and discuss the important report of the limber Royalties Commission, which Sir Heaton Rhodes asked leave to lay on the table. “What a farce it is.” said the leader of the Opposition. "The .Minister has had Unit report for OVo or three weeks, and lie lays it on the table without telling the House one word about it. in doing so I savin' fails in hi- duty.” Sir Heaton Rhodes: It is md mv duty. Mr \\ ill ord : That is niy opinion. Sir Heaton Rhodes; And f shall keep lay opinion. Air Millord: J absolutely believe it is the Alinister's duty to tell the 11 ouso; something about the report he brings down, hut what do we find:- With every report they are laid on the table, although dealing with important matters upon which members might throw some light. This move is taken to prevent discussion, hut I do »«d think that will he done this afternoon.

Air Alassev; Are you going to pro

vent it? Air Wilford: Everybody is interested. the worker, every local body. -Mr .Massey: Are you talking it out? -Mr Wilford: I am not going to he interrupted by the Prime .Minister. Air Alassev cwarmly): Oh! Are you not ?

Air Millord: And if the Prime Alinister is going to attempt to interrupt— Air Speaker: 1 will protect the hull, member. Air M’ili’nrd : I know you will protect lee. I thank you. Everybody is interested, hut wlml has been the performance here to-day? Air Alassev: Hear, hear. . Air Milford said that if others protested with him they would wake the country to the fact that the fiovornment was burking discussion on their

reports. Air Alasey: The lion, gentleman has wasted a quarter of an hour. Afr M’ilford; Exaggeration. Air .Massey: Not so much exaggeration an the lion, member indulges in. Air M’ilford: Fifty per cent. Air Alassev: lie has wasted the l time of the House in an attempt to scold. He is becoming an habitual scolder. His temper and manner have changed within tlm last few months. 11c is quite different from what lie used to be. AI r Speaker : Order ! A) r Al as-ey: But he cannot make the House believe we are trying to block dieeussion. Air M'ilford : Certainly. Air Alassev: M’e are doing nothing of the sort. • ATr Wilford: I doubt it. .Mr AI assey: Of course lie doubts it. He is a doubting Thomas. The Prime .Minister declared that lie had intended to give mondiers an opportunity later to discuss all the important reports. Air M’ilford: Why did von not say so before? Air Massey: You blocked niv way. Air Forbes declared it was only after the protest that .Mr Massey had made the concession. Mr A[asscy (warmly): That is grossly unfair. The report was then laid on the table.