MR JOHN ROBERTSON AND WAIHI.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1121, 12 July 1913, Page 3

MR JOHN ROBERTSON AND WAIHI.

A MINISTERIAL. SNOB

A further speech was made by Mr Robertson (Otaki) in the House on Thursday, in regard to incidents connected with the Waihi strike. He read a number of sworn statements by Federationists,' with the object of showing that the police did not afford the Federationists adequate protection from attacks by Arbitra tiouists. He said be had photographs in his possession of seven policemen watching a fight between a Federationist and an Arbitrationist without interfering. He had gone to the Minister and had asked him to make an enquiry into the charges. The Minister asked him to put his charges in writing. He (the speaker) said he would do so it the Minister would treat the letter as confidential. The Minister, however, would uot agree to that. Hon. Mr Herdmau : If you dare not put your charges in writing you are not worth listening to. Mr Robertson : I was prepared to bring evidence to prove the charges if you would hold an enquiry, Mr Herdmau made no comment on Mr Robertson’s speech.

STATEMENTS IN PARLIAMENT AGAIN RESENTED.

Waihi, July 10

At a meeting of the Waihi Borough Council last evening the following resolution was carried unanimously:—“ That this council strongly resents the reports and statements made in the House of Representatives in regard to the late trouble in Waihi by Messrs Robertson and Payne as being unfounded and contrary to fact; that this council congratulates the Hon. W. F. Masse} 7 and the Hon. A. L. Herdmau tor promptly denying such statements and placing before members the plain facts relative to such happenings.”