STATE LUNCHEON.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 245, 14 September 1929, Page 9

STATE LUNCHEON.

QUESTION OF INVITATIONS. WELLINGTON, Sept. 13. Reference was made in the House of Representatives to-day to the reeent State luncheon in honour of the officers of - the French warship Tourville. The matter was raised in the first instance by Air J. A. Nash (Reform, Palmerston) who said he was not concerned that all the members of the House had not been invited. However, as the French were our allies in the war, Mr Nash thought the Government might have invited members who were returned soldiers. Mr A. Harris (Reform, Waitemata) thought* that, as members of Parliament were at least among the first citizens of New Zealand, all members should have been invited. “I understand that it was decided at a conference that there should be a certain number of members from each side of the House,” said the Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle). Reform voices: Yes, two each. Mr Perrelle: Should the House desire more lavish expenditure in the future, I can assure the House we will invite the whole of tho members. “I sinoerely hope the Minister will not carry out that threat,” said Mr H. E. Holland, Leader of the Labour Party. “It means a good deal of time and expense. I think the best way to meet visitors from abroad is to give a representative luncheon. The two members from each party who attended the Tourville luncheon were, of course, the pick of the members.” (Laughter). “No, I was not there,” added Mr Holland. “However, I think far too much money has been spent in the past in providing dinners just for the sake of people sitting down and eating together. I suggest that the Minister should cut out the eating part.” An inquiring voice: And the drinking ? Air Holland: I am not suggesting the reception should be solely drinking. (Laughter.)