THE COMMITTEE BREEZE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 511, 23 October 1912, Page 5

THE COMMITTEE BREEZE.

. .© SIR JOSEPH WARD CENSURED. ACCEPTS WITH EQUANIMITY. [ny TICLF.GBAFII. —-I'RKSS ASSOCIATION.! Wellington, This Day. In the House last evening the debate on the matter regarding Sir Joseph Ward's refusal to retract the words used regarding the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee was continued, and carried on on same lines as during Monday and yesterday afternoon. Mr Hine said he had ruled in committee that, before any reconsideration of the report of the committee took place the remarks made by Sir Joseph Ward must bo withdrawn. He himself had shown no heat, and, he added, "when the volcano buret I was thunderstruck. There was nothing in my manner to imply irritation or offensiveness." No challenge of his conduct had been made, ho went on to say. "10 Sir Joseph Ward does the honourable thing he will not find me lacking in doing my share." Sir Joseph Ward: What does he mean by that? If he does not think |

he was offensive then he does not

know what offensiveness is. Continuing, Sir Joseph Ward said he could not see his way to withdraw his words. He looked upon the chairman's request as a personal insult, and as a result used the words complained of. He would rather be censured by the House than withdraw them. The chairman of the committee went out of his way to be offensive to him. He now submitted himself to any judgment the House might pronounce. Sir Joseph Ward then retired.

Mr Maasey regretted having to move a resolution in connection with the incident, though he would do the same thing if it affected a member of his own party. He moved that this House expresses regret that the right hon. meniDer for Awarua has not thought proper to withdraw the words taken down and reported to the House by the Public Accounts Committee.

Mr Robertson moved as an amendment, that the House, while recognising that it is the duty of a member to withdraw any expression ruled to be unparliamentary, considers that in this case the circumstances were such as to warrant the House in proceeding no further in the matter. Mr Veitch, in seconding the motion, said, to use a colloquialliam, Sir Joaepti Ward was in a ditch, and it was not fair to put their feet on his neck. The amendment was not intended as a reflection on the chairman of the committee, but had been put forward by the independent party in the House on its own volition, the object being to settle the matter amicably. Mr R. McKenzie expressed surprise and regret, and dissatisfaction with the attitude of the Government. Ho did not think a half-hearted amendment would be acceptable to Sir Joseph Ward. He believed the incident would rebound to the credit of Sir Joseph Ward. Mr Robertson's amendment was last by 38 votes to 33.

The Prime Minister's motion was DUt and carried by 39 votes to '32.

The Speaker requested the Scrgeant-at-Arms to request the attendance of the member for Avvarua.

When Sir Joseph Ward entered he was greeted with applause from the Opposition. The Speaker read the resolution to him.

Sir Joseph Ward said had he not felt deeply that an insult had been levelled at him he never would have taken the firm and consistent stand he had. If Mr Hine had stated he had not intended to be offensive he (the speaker) would have withdrawn. He accepted the censure from the standpoint of making a strong protest against the partial conduct of the chairman. He thanked those who had spoken on hia behalf. Ho accepted the decision with equanimity.