A QUESTION OF LOYALTY.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1916, Page 7

A QUESTION OF LOYALTY.

SETTLER VINDICATES HIMSELF. At Thursday's ■meeting of the provincial Fanners' Union Mr. George Looiiey (Opuuake) referred to a letter that appeared in the Hawera Star, which stated that a prominent member had driven into Kaponga with the German eagle emblazoned on the front of his gig. The name of Mr. Voullaire had been given great publicity in the district, and he would like to hear Mr. Voullaire's explanation. . He was quite willing to give Mr. Voullaire the name of liis informant, so that he could take what steps he desired.

Mr. Voullaire stated that he had been doing up his gig, and desired to put a transfer in front of it. Not being able to obtain one, lie had an old family crest, a white eagle, on the front board. It was not a German eagle. The people spreading the statement probably knew that he had been born in Germiny, but that wa9 not his fault. His father was Dutch and his mother English. He had never had any leanings towards the enemy, nor had any of his family. He had seen a letter in the paper, but did not know it referred to him. Had a direct charge been made he would have placed the matter in his lawyer's hands. The chairman said he was very to have the matter cleared up, as he had heard the statements. Tt would certainlv have been out of place for any one with sympathetic leanings to the enemy to be at the Conference. He .was quite satisfied with Mr. Voui'.aire's statement. Mr. Voullaire, who spol.'f! with considerable feeling, thanked the pi'i'si'.lent. The matter had given him eoiniileraMi' concern, as his sympathies had always been with the Allies. The president said he was sure Mr. Voullaire would feel grateful to Mr. Looney for bringing the matter.forwi'rd, and also to Mr. Maxwell for his st;uement, wkich entirely cleaved Mr. Ycullaire. (Applause.)