RURAL CREDIT BILL

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1928, Page 1

RURAL CREDIT BILL

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON. Feb. 7. Mr 1). Jones, -M.P., replying to the allegation of Mr W. J. Poison (President of tbe N.Z. Farmers’ Union) that certain of bis evidence bad been cut, saiit that all the evidence tendered was reported by an accredited committee of reporters. The manuscript lorwarded to ’.Mr Poison was a correct transcript of the reporters’ notes. In the covering letter forwarding the evidence for the perusal and signature of witness, the following appears: “Verbal corrections arc allowed to he made in red ink. hut alterations to the substance must he effected by re-examiiiatioii. 11 the report did not adequately convey All- Poison’s remarks, witness should have requested to he heard do novo. He did not, hut signed ihe manuscript. In returning it. he commented that the report was somewhai condensed. The report and the shorthand notes were then checked and loimd to he collect. When Mr Poison gave evidence, the Committee had not heloro it the individual scheme, but a dra.lt ot the proposed amendment to enable a laimer to deal direct with the Board, was lorwarded for the consideration of the President, of the Farmers’ Union, and he was requested to either attend pcisonally and address the Committee on the Mill October, or alternatively to forward his written comment thereon. To ibis request Hie Chairman received a telegram regretting inability to attend the Committee, and a statement that he though! Bart U of the Bill, and the proposal to give control to an independent Board fatal to success. Mr Poison said he was calling his Executive together on Wednesday to consider Hie position. The Committee received no further communication from .Mr Poison, its deliberations were definitely protracted that his views on the individual scheme might he obtained. The proposal was communicated to him o„ the 11th October, while the report was not tabled until tbe 24 th idem. Ample opportunity was afforded the President of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union to have bis views on the aspect of the Rural Intermediate Credit Bill recorded. That lie did not take such an opportunity does not justily his uncalled-for remarks concerning the probity of Parliament, its method or its Committee clerks.