ALLEGED OFFER

Hokitika Guardian, 17 August 1928, Page 4

ALLEGED OFFER

“£l6O A YEAR AND A SAFE SEAT.” MISS MELVIELK’S CHARGES WELLINGTON, Aug. 16. Further reference to the statement attributed to Miss E. Melville that she had been offered financial inducement to withdraw from the Eden bye-elec-tion in 1926, was made bv Mr J. A. Lee (Auckland East) in the House of Representatives late to-night. Mr Lee quoted from the Auckland “Herald” and “Star” statements made In- Miss Alelville to the effect that she had been offered £l5O a year for three years, and a safe seat, if she would retire. t The Prime Minister (sharply): Who offered that? Mr Lee continued his quotation to the effect that Miss Melville had said that she would not have mentioned the subject, but Mr A. E. Davy, then Reform organiser, had made it public. She had also then given her version concerning a visit paid to her by Mr 'Wilson, a member of the Reform Party executive in Auckland, when, she said, he had made the offer, although not in

such ibald terms. “Doubtless,” said Mr Lee, “Mr Wilson coughed, twiddled his thumbs, and said, ‘Ah, it is a fine day.’ ” (Labour laughter). Miss Melville was also reported as having said that publicity had not been given to her reply that she had declined tho offer, and that Mr Wilson had made no mention of her rejoinder. Mr Lee further quoted tho Prime Minister’s telegraphed denial, deprecating such a practice as that alleged, and stating that anything in the nature of financial inducement was abhorrent to the Reform Party.

Mr Lee said that Mr Wilson was still a member of the Reform executive, and although he had been accused of making the inducement alleged, be bad never denied it. It 1 might not be true that financial inducement bad been offered, but there were other means of clearing the course. Mr Lee said that Mr Poison had Ix'en sent abroad on a commission until the last election was

over. The Prime Minister: He has joined the United Party! Mr Lee: Mr Davy lias? The Prime Minister : No, Mr Poison. Mr Lee: Mr Wilson has not denied the statement lo this day. The Prime Minister: I think ho lias, and very decidedly, too. Mr Lee: l don’t think he has. The Minister for Lands: Ah, you use the statement, and then you say you don’t think! ilr Lee: 1 know he has not denied it publicly. If the Minister for Lands will show me where he has done so, I repent publicly in sackcloth and ashes.