THE SPEAKERSHIP

Hokitika Guardian, 9 November 1928, Page 5

THE SPEAKERSHIP

SIR. CHARLES STATHAAI REPLIES TO CRITICS. •

DUNEDIN, Nov. 7

An effective reply has been made by Sir Charles Starham to the criticism of his Labour opponent, Air J. Robinson, respecting his acceptance of the Speakership. “It lias been alleged that I have done a dishonest thing and that in taking the Speakership I did not honour my pledges,” said Sir Charles Statlnim. “At the election in 1922 I claimed absolute freedom to vote as J thought lit in the event of a no-onfi-ilence motion, and when Parliament (.pened in 192:’ I was really free to join any party. Sir Erederic Lang (Speaker) and Air A. S. Malcolm (Chairman if Committees) had both been defeated. 'I lie Reform Party had a majority of three. No other Party could have carried mi, and no one wanted another election. The first man who approached me in regard to the Speakership was a prominent member of the Labour Party. I don’t want to mention his name, hut what I say is perfectly true. Air Holland lias been bind enough to refer to me as the ablest Speaker’New Zealand has even had. I am sure that it was not the desire of the official Labour Party that I should have to contest this election.” Sir Charles then repeated the promise lie had made from the platform at his meeting the previous. evening. He said; “I am fighting this election on the assumption that I will he reelected to the Speakership. Ifthrough any unforeseen contingency. T should not ho re-elected to that office, or being re-elected should relinquish it. T will resign my seat and submit myself again to the ‘‘lectors. The electors would then have the opportunity of hearing me speak untrammelled by the restrictions imposed on me at the present time by my inability to express my'views on Party politics.”