POLITICAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XII, Issue 2446, 28 August 1891, Page 3

POLITICAL.

(from our parliamentary cokjkesPONUBXT.)

Welliwtox, August 27. A ROW IN THE HOUSE. All business has been suspended to-day m consequence of a row arising out of a remark by the Minister for Lands at three o'clock this morning, to the effect that, if the facts were unveiled on the floor of the House m connection with the Sale of Runs '28 and 28a, they would not be found creditable to the ex-Minister for Lands, and that the Hon. R. Campbell (deceased) had boasted of having squarec'el tl c Minister. Mr Richardson at the meeting of the House this afternoon, raised the question of privilege, and moved " that a Committee of five be appointed to investigate the charges and report m a week," saying there was evidently ong man too many m the Chamber—either one who had made a false charge, or a man who had done disgraceful things. Messrs Bryce and Scobie Mackenzie supported this. Mr Bryce with the evident design of adding fuel tc the fire. The discussion speedily became disorder, and a thorough wrangle ensued. Mr Seddon said his colleague had withdrawTt his words, and here the matter Ought to end. The Speaker ruled that the latter statement had been withdrawn at his demand, but that the aggreived member haJ a perfect right to move for a Committee m regard to the latter statement. An angry discussion followed, and on Mr Bryce making same remark, Mr Ballance charged him with disputing the ruling of the chair. Mr Bryce, m great indignation, said the Hon Premier ought to be ashamed of himself. Mr Ballance demanded that the w.ords be instantly retracted. Mr Bryce rejoined that he would not retract, but would take the consequences. On this, the Speaker gave orders to clear the galleiies, and all the galleries, except the ladies', were instantly cleared. This was regarded as a gross injustice by the press representatives, as it was understood a lady reporter was m the gallery. Mr RoJleston is now (7.30) to move that the press be readmitted. After the clearance of the galleries a terrible shindy took place. Mr O'Conor moved that Mr Bryce's explanation was satisfactory. Mr Rees moved an amendment "that the House regrets the scene " or something to that effect! The point was fiercely debated, several members being very obstreperous. Mr Bryce was requested to withdraw, and he went and sat alone m the lobby reflecting on the mutability of human affairs. He is sternly determined to stick to his refusal, though his heroic persistency will probably cost him fifty pounds. Everything but this is now at as standstill, and great excitement prevails m the precincts of the House. Wellington, August 28. At 7.80 Mr Rolleston moved to re-open the galleries, but the motion was lost by three. Subsequently, at eight o'clock, the same motion was carried and the press was admitted, ftlr Rees' motion was carried, virtually censuring Mr Bryce. Mr Bryce, who had retired, came m under escort of the Sergeant-at-Arms. The Speaker read the resolution just passed, and Mr Bryce replied, regretting that, after his lo»g Career and loyalty, he should have been censured. He would reply after sleeping over it. In the meantime he would leave the House, and so saying took up his hat, bowed with grave politeness to the Speaker, and withdrew amid profound silence. After a vigorous speech from the Minister for Lands, the previous question was put, and the matter dropped and the House went into Committee on the Land Bill. I m«y add that the Minister, if he said anything strong, was speaking by the card, and that certain telegrams that could be produced would go far to support the Minister. The opinion generally expressed to-day is that the painful scene of yesterday was only another instance of factious opposition. Mr Richardson is very generally blamed for the whole affair; whatever Mr McKenzie may have said m the heat of the moment was forced from him by the persistent attacks of Mr Richardson, who has devoted himself all the session to nothing so touch as to abusing and traducing the Minister of Lands. All regret the loss of Mr Bryce, and his severance must be laid at the door of the ex-Minister.