POLITICAL NOTES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2671, 29 November 1909, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES.

DISCUSSION OF COMMISSION

REPORTS

(Special to “Times.”) WELLINGTON, Nov. 27. In the House yesterday notice was given by Mr. Herdman, through Mr. e/lcn, asking the Premier if he will set aside a day for discussing the reports of the Commissioners on the Addington workshops and Police Force, the Land and: Income Tax Department, and the present unsatisfactory condition of the> Public Service. MR. WI PERE’S GRIEVANCE. During the sitting of the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon,the?Hon. Wi Pore asked the Speaker whether he had given permission to the Hop. M abut a. to absent himself from the deliberation® of the Council session after session. “I have been a member of this branch of the Legislature,” said the Hon. Wi Pere, for close on four years, and during the whole of that time I have been, pestered in attending to work which the Hon. Mahuta should have done. It seems to me that I have to act -as mouthpiece and protector for the Maori tribes in this island, north, south, east, and west. I desire to draw the Council’s attention to the fact that I am an. old man now, and that I am required to perform too much work. lam not able to do as much work now as was the case when I was a younger man.” The Hon. G. Jones asked if the hon. member was in order in asking the question without notice. The Hon. Wi Pere calmly ignored the inquiry - , and went on to say that he was afraid of no one, neither his relations,, friends, nor any one else. “I am only taking this course,” he added, “because I am certain that my colleague is ignorant of the dignity of the position which he occupies.” The Speaker said that the hon. member was not entitled to reflect on tho actions of another member of the Council

The Hon. Wi Pere still persisted witli his inquiries, and he declared that while the Hon. Mahuta absented himself year after year he continued to draw his honorarium and took the money “Then,” said he, “if I absent myself for one day I am docked £2.” The Speaker again called the Hon. Wi Pere to order, and the discussion eventually ended by the Sjveaker indicating that the Hon. Wi Pere could obtain any information required bv giving notice of motion.