RESIGNATION OF MR. J. HUTCHESON.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 158, 6 July 1899, Page 2

RESIGNATION OF MR. J. HUTCHESON.

SEAT FOR WELLINGTON

Immediately on the result of the division being announced, Mr John ! Hutcheson, senior member for Wellington City, rose and addressed the Speaker as follows: —Mr Speaker, may I make a short personal statement? Mr Speaker: A personal explanation is allowable. Mr llutcheson: When I was returned to this honourable House in IS9G I made a certain pledge, which was, when I could no longer follow this Government, J would render back my trust to my constituents. Thai time has now arrived, and in addition to that—(A member on the Ministerial benches: You are making a speech.) And in addition to that [ have the incentive of. being accused by a Minister of the Crown of being- faiilfless to my pledges, a degenerate labour member, a loblolly boy, the tool of capitalists, and that I was keeping my seat for a paltry few pounds. The Speaker: You must not make a speech. Mr Hutcheson: It is now my duty, .sir, to> hand you my resignation as a member of this honourable House. (Loud and prolonged cheering from the Opposition and the Left Wing-.) Mr McGuire: The scandal is not yet buried. Mr Hutcheson here left his seat, and advancing to the chair handed to Mr Speaker his written resignation, which was read by Sir G. M. O'Jvorke in these terms:—To the lion, the Speaker of the House of Representatives.— Sir,—l. beg hereby to tender you my resignation as a member of the House of Representatives, dating as from today.—l am, yours very respectfully, John Huteheson. (Renewed cheering.) I Mr Tanner: And a good man, too. Mr Taylor: A better man than some other labour members. (Laughter,) After the letter of resignation had been read Mr Hutcheson gracefully withdrew from the Chamber, bowing respectfully to the chair. The Premier: 1 now move that the address be agreed to. Mr Holland: I beg to move the adjournment of the debate. The motion was agreed to, and the House rose at 11.50 p.m.