PARLIAMENTARY EPISODES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7252, 10 August 1907, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY EPISODES.

THE MEMBER* FOR ASHBURTON. MVERSIFYiNG~~DISCUSSION. (By Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, August 10. _ During the discussion on the Estimates in Committee of Supply in "the House last eveiiing, Mr McLachlan diversified the proceedings in his characteristic manner. In the course of his remarks, following several northern members' complaints about the Government system of road-making, he informed membeiJ3 that where he camo from "they don't get anything. They do everything fpr themselves, and contribute much more readily to the public revenue thim the North Island does." It seemed to him that the inhabitants of the-South Island had been exploited by tile people in the North Island. i "Every year," he continued, "we find members ironi the North Island coming here aad making raids upon "us, robbing us.l' After- expresang, amidst laughter, the hope that his language was not unparliamentary, wid indulging in a few more similar remarks, the member for Ashburton resuried his seat.

This occurred at about 8 o'clock, and Mr McLachlan \ did not trouble the Chairman again' till past midnight, ■when, apparently waking from deep slumber, he proceeded to make himself more at ease byltaking off his boots, ■which he deposition the desk alongside his order paper. His stockinged feet appeared oil the arm of the lounge, and neighbouring members, looking askance, rioved away. A messenger put the number's boots out of sight, hut Mr Mclachlan promptly replaced them on his order paper. Mr Wilford, wh>- had endeavoured to hide, the spectacle by making a screen of his Bill-look, moved at last to the back Opposition bench, whence he enquired of the; temporary Chairman (Mr Barclay): fls the hon. member for Ashburton entitled to discuss boots, except upon the tariff question?" (Loud laughter.)

The Chairman: "Jdid not hear him make any remarks, I shall he obliged if the member for Hutt will not interrupt needlessly.* Mr MeLachlan (aiiake): "Mr Barclay!" \ The Chairman: "'Jlie lion, member -will resume his seat.' 1. "I^will —to rise agaii," retorted AshTtmrtoiV's representative, who lifted his toots, as if to tost their weight. "I will -remove these;boots," he add--ed, suiting the action ty the words. "I .meant no di?yos"pct to the Houso: 'but wo vero hi for rb all-night sitting, and I "felt my ;feet somewhat cramped, so 1 took off, my boots. I didn't want to put ihem ioo far •away." \ ' Mr MeLachlan was toyr thoroughly ■awake, and he went on;in a more serious tone: "I intend to devote tbr> rest of my services in ihe interest of "legitimate legislation, arijTto assist the "House in arriving at adjust decision upon almost, every questiim. I can sec there's a sort of cantankerous feelin^ in this House. 4 number ?>f my friend:; s«cm to be determined ttjat they will obstruct legislation, and i'ti order that we may defeat them I to!>k my boo^p off so as to be able to fight them fairly. (Laughter.) I'm not exactly sure "tvhat the subiect is, bocaiise I wan asleep; bnt it does tint natter: mv vote und^r any condition.i asleep or nwake. will be given in a ciln and rVlibernte manner—calm natl deliberate." i A member: "Question." ! Mr MeLachlan : "Yes! Vhat is the question ?" (Laughter.) ■