TWO HOLLANDS

Hokitika Guardian, 19 August 1927, Page 3

TWO HOLLANDS

A PARLIAMENTARY DIFFICULTY.

WELLINGTON, Aug. 10

An allegation hy f’K* Leader ol the Opposition that some of his correspondence from Samoa had been interfered with was a subject of a ministerial statement by the Hon. V . Noswortliv. .Minister of External Affairs, to-day. Reports had been secured Iniwv Samoan officials, and it was made clear that they had found it necessary to call the attention of the Hon 0. L. Westbrook to the fact that his eorresponctice was being posted in envelopes too itiiVisy. They gave no protection to the contents. Mr Westbrook in a letter to the Administrator Secretary remarked that lie made no accusations against the Samoart‘ Post Office, and if the Leader of the Opposition brought the matter up in Parliament it was his complaint and not Air Westbrook’/:.

There was an interesting sequel to the ministerial statement: “ A"on will have to change your name.” declared Mr Atmore (Nelson) after Mr If. Holland, member for Christchurch North, had made a statement to the House illustrating the disadvantages of having two “ 11. Hollands ” in Parliament. The Christchurch member said he received a great many letters addressed “ If. Holland.” which were obviously intended for “ IT. E. Holland,” and he had one in his pocket at that moment. There was scarcely a day when this did not occur, and on one occasion he received a letter from the Administrator of Samoa, addressed, “IT. Holland, Esq., M.P.. Wellington,” which lie opened and sent on to his namesake. Correspondents were exceedingly careless, and the Post could not be blamed. no couTiT honestly say ho had never revealed any of the confidence of any letter ho had received by mistake.