DISPUTE IN THE HOUSE.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 September 1919, Page 5

DISPUTE IN THE HOUSE.

PREMIER AND SIR JOSEPH WARD. THE NAURU QUESTION. (By Wire.—Own Correspondent.) Wellington, Last Night. The House was somewhat surprised by a dispute that arose between Mr. Massey and gir Joseph Ward during the debajte on-the Peace Treaty. Mr. Massty waij '.explaining the terms of Nauru mandate, when Sir Joseph Ward interjectea thjjft he had not been consulted regarding the arrangement, knew nothing of it, uija would take no ro^ponsibility. Mr. Massey: I take all responsibility. Sir Joseph Ward: I had responsibilty too.

Mr. Massey: Doqs the honorable gentleman want me to say what happened at that first .meeting, when Mr. Hughes was present? Sir Joseph Ward: What happened? Mr. Massey: I won't say it publicly. Sir Joseph Ward: I want it stated publicly. ' Mr. Massey: l am not going to take part in a schoolboys'.squabble. I tak.e all responsibility for what .happened as to Nauru.

Sir Joseph Ward added h'e had not been asked. £o attend any o{ the esr sential meetings regarding Nauru, And did not kno\f what had bijen done. .'He had not jnandate. Later in tWfe evening, Sir Joseph Ward said he had not teen the Samoan mandate.

Mr. Massey retorted:- The Ml terms had not yet reached New Zealand. Sir Joseph Ward proceeded to say that his opinion was that it would have been bettet to have left the Samoan mandate with Britain. It would save trouble by looking ahead for the Dominion in itß attempt to rule a colored race in a tropical country. Britain could handle such problems better than New Zealand-