MR HARRIS'S SPEECH

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1926, Page 4

MR HARRIS'S SPEECH

STATEMENT IX HOUSE. WELLINGTON, Sept. 8. When the Motor Omnibus Traffic Jiill was committed in the House of Representatives this afternoon, Mr A. Harris, member for Waitemuta, made the following statement:— “I wish to reply to the question put to me last night by the acting-leader of the Government. He has asked me to consider my position in view to a statement I made during my speech on the second reading of the Motor Qninibus Traffic Bill, which reflected on. the Government. I desire to say that T have considered my position, and endorse every word I said last night. T am convinced that the Government has •allowed itself to bo inflenced against its better .judgment by outside financial interests in a manner that is high-, ly discreditable.” The Chairman of Committees (Mr [*'. F. TToekly) interposed that- the member was overstepping the hounds of Parliamentary practice, and requested him to withdraw .he reflection he had just deserbed. “I accept your ruling.” replied Mr Harris, “but T think I am in the right.” Mi- TToekly: T hope the lion, member will not question the ruling of the chair. “In saying that,” proceeded .Mr Harris, “I do not suggest that the Government has been wilfully guilty of improper practice, but has, in spite of re peated warnings, failed lamentably to appreciate the grave importance of spurning anything flint savours in any ivay of the improper, ■‘Mv position, then, is that I have tidied public attention to what I believe to be tactics which, if not rigorously checked, will aim a fatal blow at the purity of our public life, and I consider I would be failing in my duty were I to refrain front doing so. 1 n saying what I have, I wish to assure the Government that I am actuated solely by a sincere regard for its welfare and jealous respect for the maintenance for its good name.” The Hon. W. Downie Stewart, who was in charge of the House, made no reply, and the committee went on with consideration of the Bill.