MR WEBB AND SPECIAL-CONSTABLES

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1166, 1 November 1913, Page 4

MR WEBB AND SPECIAL-CONSTABLES

EXCITED LABOUR MEMBER

Mr P. C. Webb in the House on Thursday evening addressed a question to the Prime Minister, though some objections were at first offered. “I have been con nected with these men for a number of years,” he began, and was immediately interrupted. The Speaker told Mr Webb that he must state his question.

Mr Webb said that he wished to ask the Prime Minister aud the Minister of Justice whether, realising the seriousness ol the situation—(interruption)—he would like to ask the Prime Mini ster, in view of the circumstances that now existed in Wellington, and in view of the fact that they were on the verge of a riot he might say, with the whole mind of the public electrified, whether he would, through the Minister ol Justice, withdraw these special constables who were causing this disturbance.

Cries of “ No !” and laughter. Mr Webb said that he wanted to ask the Prime Minister and Minister of Justice whether they would see that “these special sworn in constables that paraded the streets that evening were with drawn until such time as a public inquiry was set up to investigate into the whole of this business. Responsibility rested on the Minister to protect these men in Wellington and not allow their heads to be batoned in in such a fashion.” The Hon. A. h. Herdman, Minister of Justice, answered the question. “I have very much pleasure in replying to the honourable gentleman,” he said, “and I can assure him that there will be no attempt on the part of the Government to withdraw any special constables.” Mr Webb : Then murder will rest at your feet.

Mr Herdman : “And circumstances have occurred within the last few days which will make it imperative that further special constables will he enrolled for the purpose of protecting life and properly, and maintaining order, and ensuring that people may be allowed to go about their business in the ordinary way. I don't think I need say more than that.”

Mr Robertson : You will need a bigger fores of regulars to protect them. Mr Webb : Will tbe Minister of Justice go and get sworn in as a special constable ? Afterwards, the question having been answered, the next order of the day, which happened to be “The Science and Art Bill, : ’ was called on. Mr Webb, looking pale and excited, ejaculated, “Honourable members may do what they like,” and he forthwith walked out of the Chamber.