“STAY OFF-SIDE.”

Hokitika Guardian, 9 September 1926, Page 4

“STAY OFF-SIDE.”

MINISTER'S ADVICE TO MEMBER. WELLINGTON, Sept.. 7. A vigorous attack on the niotoromuihus legislation from Mr Harris, member for Waitemata, was followed in the House to-night by a heavy cold douche from the Hon W. Downie Stewart. Minister of Finance, who demanded that the Government supporter should consider his position. Mr Stewart declared that he did not question a member’s right to .criticise the Government, the Motor-bus Comj mittee or the regulations, but he had no right to criticise the commercial morality of the Government or to say that in their action they were putting money into the pockets of their fgends. “If the lion, member,” continued the acting-leader of the Government, “takes a public opportunity of saying that the Government subordinates the public interest to the private interests of its friends, then I invite him to consider his position, because if ho wishes to bo off-side he should be off-side a' - stay off-side. The bon. member can make his peace with his leader if ho likes, but while I am only temporary leader I will not tolerate a member of this party attacking the commercial morality and integrity of the Government. and I ask him. if he intends to pursue that policy, he should decide what course to adopt. If his convictions are genuine, as he says they are. then it is impossble for him to maintain his position, and remain in this party.”

Mr Harris received the rebuke in silence, but comment promptly came from a Labour member. Mr Sullivan, who opened his speech smilingly with tile suggestion that the member for Mai tern at.a had effectively rocked the boat, and after his severe caning it would be very interesting to see what would ultimately happen.