MR. HUGHES' £25,000.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 December 1920, Page 10 (Supplement)

MR. HUGHES' £25,000.

MOVE TO DECLARE HIS SEAT . VACANT. Sydney, Dec. 8. The Labor Party has professed to take great offence at the acceptance the other day by Mr. Hughes of tt sum of £25,000, given to him as a testimonial by admirers in all parts of the Empire. The Labor Party says it sees in this indubitable evidence that Mr. Hughes has sold himself to the wealthy classes. The Labor Party has now gone a step further, and declares that legal advice which it has taken shows that Mr. Hughes, by taking the money, has vitiated his right to sit in Parliament. It bases its contention on the following clause in t/lie Constitution, headed, "Vacancy: Happening to Disqualify." The clause reads: "If a senator or Member of the House of Representatives takes or agrees to take any fee or honorarium for services rendered to the Commonwealth or for services rendered in Parliament to any person or State, his seat will thereupon become vacant" It is believed that the Labor, Party has derided to take a eertain course of action in this matter, but its nature has not been disclosed. It is worth noting, however, that Parliament must finally decide any question raised in a matter of this kind. If it should find its way to the High Court, however, the lawyers will have the time of their lives. Does the gift to Mr. Hughes, which is similar in 'character, but larger than scores of gifts made to other politicians, come within the description "any fee or honorarium for services rendered to the Commonwealth?"

The words on the cheque presented to Mr. Hugljes were: "On account of services rendered during the war and at the Peace Conference."