DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 31 October 1913, Page 5

DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE

SIB JOSEPH WARD PROTESTS

THE PREMIER EXPLAINS. SPECIAL CONSTABLES WILL NOT BE WITHDRAWN. WELLINGTON, Last Night. In the House of Representatives tonight, Sir Joseph Ward drew the attention of the Prime Minister to statements made to him concerning the happenings in connection with the strike that evening. He had been informed by reputable and responsible men, in no way connected with the strike, of what was to his mind a most serious occurrence, s6 far as his side of the House was concerned . He stated that they were in favour of maintaining law and order, but he deemed it his duty to bring before the Leader of the House what had transpired in Post Office Square that afternoofci. A large number of people, most of whom were in no way connected with the strike, found themselves in the position of being galloped over by a number of mounted police and special police. Those men, after riding past the gathered crowds for some distance, suddenly turned, diverged 70 yards, and galloped thimigh a crowd in which were a numbdr of women. Men who, while engaged as those constables were, lost their heads, and must be held responsible far an accident such as had occurred. A member of the Watersiders* Union had also informed him that until the display by special constables with batons, order had been maintained amongst tho Unionists, but the display had had a marked effect upon the mfen. His informant had stated that he could not imagine what he had seen possible in this country. As things were going now, there was sure to be bloodshed. Tho incident had caused a very keen sense of resentment among the people, who wanted to see the matter honourably ended The Hon. W. F. Massey, replying, said he had heard nothing of the matter until a few moments ago, and if Sir Joseph Ward's statements were found to be correct (and he did not doubt him) he would have it ended. The Government had done everything possible to bring the two parties together with a view to ending the dispute, but the negotiations had been broken off, and he could not say when thoy would be resumed. The Government recognised that it was its duty to keep the ports open and industries going, and put down lawlessness. He wanted the co-operation of the Leader of the Opposition and his party in settling the strike. Sir Jdseph Ward said he and his party were against lawlessness, but he would not stand by and see the happenings he described without drawing attention to it. Everything possible should be done before a strike was allowed to take place. Mr Massey, again replying, said he had that moment heard that a party of mounted constables, together with some special constables, were proceeding along the waterfront, when they weie subjected to extreme provocation. They were pelted with stones and iron, and one constable was so seriously injured that he may not recover. He repeated that he would inquire into the whole matter. Mr P. C. Webb asked whether, in view of the fact that the whole town was electrified, the Government, world withdraw the special constables. The Hon. A. L."Herdman replied that the Government would not withdraw the special constables, but circumstances had occurred in the past few days that would render it necessary to enrol more constables in order that people could go about their business in an ordinary way. Mr Webb: "Then you will be responsible for any murders!"