A MYSTERIOUS REFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1927, Page 4

A MYSTERIOUS REFERENCE.

SAMOAN ADM INISIRATOU’S REPORT.

WELLINGTON, Sept. 20. Mysterious references were made during Llies discussion on Samoa m the House to-day to some report seen by tlio select committee winch lias been considering the Samoan petition. “1 say to the Government that they know that if the House is reported to by the select committee, and if General Uihardson’s own communications are put before Parliament, they must recall General Richardson from Samoa immediately. The Government cannot deny that this is so.” This was a .statement made by Mr Holland. ‘•Sheer and litter nonsense,” interjected the Prime. Minister. “The Prime Minister is not a member of the joint committee,” said Mr Holland.

“I say it is sheer nonsense,” cut in the Minister of External Affairs. A protracted debate developed on the Prime Minister's motion that the standing orders bo suspended so as to permit the supply to members of the Koval Commission appointed to report on certain matters relating to the administration of Samoa of printed copies of flic evidence adduced before the joint committee. This was carried by 4-5 votes to J 7.

The Prime Minister during his speech said ho could not understand wluit was meant by the suggestion that if a copy of the report by the Administrator was made public it would lead to his resignation. Mr Holland : I did not say that. I said a report from the Administrator to the Minister of External Affairs. Mr Coates: That is news to me. Mr Holland: If the Minister will show me the report 1 will point out the section. The Ron. IV. Nos wort by: What do you think it will do? Mr Holland: I saul if it were made public it will mean the dismissal of the Administrator.