MEMBERS CLASH

Hokitika Guardian, 2 September 1929, Page 2

MEMBERS CLASH

PERSONAL CROSS-TALK

JURY OF HOUSE SUGGESTED

-WELLINGTON, August 30,

In addition to the clash between the member for Thames and the Minister of Education, which aroused so much interest in the House to-day, there was another exchange of strong opinion between Mr Nash (Palmerston) and Colonel Jif’ Don aid (Wairarapa). The two antagonists had tilted at each other in the session, and Mr Nash returned to the matter in order to give fuller information regarding a s hool building transaction which had been the subject of Colonel M’Donald’s criticism. This member, said Mr Nash, had gone into his constituency “fossicking,” to find out all he could to the speaker’s disadvantage, “but, thank God, there was nothing he could find.” “The member for Wairarapa,” he continued, “lias lived for years on the hope of entering Parliament, and 1 will tell the House of an interview he had with a gentleman on a. train just prior to the Patoa election. It is interesting, and the House will enjoy it.”

Mr Nash went c/n to explain that colonel M’Donald encountered a gentleman whom he asked if he knew anyone very well in Hnwera. On receiving a reply lie asked if this gentleman was in a high position and interested in Reform. Again he had an affirmative answer, when Colonel M’Donald continued. “You might send him a telegram, telling him I am a personal friend of yours and I am coming up to offer myself as a Reform candidate for Patea.” And the gentleman said “No.” . Colonel M’Donald: I never was a candidate.

‘ Mr Nash: We can give him plenty of letters to prove that lie tried' to he a candidate for Patea.

Colonel M’Donald on a point of personal explanation said he had no recollection of such an interview and this, like all other statements made by his critic, was a misrepresentation. (Opposition laughter). “As a member of the jury,” commented Mr Sullivan (Avon)l I have not been able fo make up my mind whether the member for Wairarapa knows more about the niemher for Palmerston than the latter knows about the member for Wairarapa. Perhaps, Mr Speaker, you could , sum up in judicial form.” (Laughter). Mr Lee Martin: And hang them both. (Loud laughter);;.;.