ANGRY WORDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 July 1941, Page 4

ANGRY WORDS

UNPLEASANT EPISODE IN HOUSE ATTACK ON PRESIDENT OF FARMERS’ UNION. MEMBER ULTIMATELY APOLOGISES. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Something of a sensation ■ was caused in the House of Representatives yesterday when the Government member for Palmerston North said, during his speech in the Budget debate: “If I had my way the present head of the Farmers’ Union would be behind prison bars.” The member finally withdrew at the order of the Speaker, but not before lively exchanges with the Opposition. Subsequently he made an apology. Speaking on national unity Mr Hodgens had suggested that leaders of various phases of national life should be co-opted and brought into Cabinet. He said he would not, however, bring in newspaper editors or presidents of chambers of commerce and manufacturers' associations. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland: “Would you give them Ministerial rank?” Mr Hodgens: “I am only a backbencher. It is not for me to suggest whether they should get Ministerial rank or not.” Mr Holland: “Would you bring in the head of the Farmers’ Union?” Mr Hodgens: “If I had my way the present head of the Farmers’ Union would be behind prison bars.” Mr Holland: “That is pretty strong.” Mr Hodgens: “I say it without the slightest hesitation. That is my considered opinion. Speakers on the Opposition side have spoken about the miners sabotaging industry.” Mi - Kidd (Opposition. Waitaki): “So they did.” Mr Hodgens: “Could I say this, that Mi* Mulholland endeavoured to sabotage the war industry.” Mr Broadfoot (Opposition, Waitomo): “Incorrect.” Mr Hodgens: “I say that the member for Tauranga sabotaged the war effort.” The Speaker: “Order. The honourable member must withdraw.” Mr Hodgens: "I will withdraw as far as the House is concerned.” Mr Broadfoot: “And leave it as far as the man is concerned?” Continuing Mr Hodgens said that if there was less talk and less criticism it would be possible to have greater unity in New Zealand. It was useless trying to get together when members on the opposite side were saying that the Government was dominated by Trades Hall bosses. That was one thing that they must drop if there was to be unity. Certain men in high places in the country had made remarks detrimental to/the war effort and were allowed to go scot free. Mr- Holland: “Would you be prepared to drop your attack on Mr Mulholland?” Mr Doidge (Opposition. Tauranga): “And he is one of the most loyal men in the country.” Mi’ Holland: "It was a savage attack on the leader of the farmers and a member of the War Council.” Before continuing his speech when the House resumed the debate in the evening, Mr Hodgens said he wished to make a personal explanation concerning his remarks about Mr Mulholland. An Opposition member: “It is a bit late now.” “I wish to make an explanation,” said Mr Hodgens. “I very much regret having made that statement and I withdraw it. I desire to express my regrets and I apologise to Mr Mulholland. It may pe that I feel strongly about any criticism of the Government and its war effort, but irrespective of any criticism by Mr Mulholland he has at the request of the Government, acted as a member of the War Council where he has given valuable assistance to the Government in its war effort, which I know is much appreciated by the Acting-Prime Minister and the Government.” Mr Hodgens again apologised to Mr Mulholland and said he retracted wholeheartedly, and hoped there would be no ill-feeling between Mr Mulholland and himself.