THE HUMOUR OF IT.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 191, 12 August 1911, Page 5

THE HUMOUR OF IT.

WHAT HAPPENED TO SMITH. THE HON. R. McKENZIE'S HEAVY GUNS. (By Telegraph.—rarliamentarj Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, Friday. The atmosphere of the House was stirred from its ordinarily prosaic level this evening, when the member for Wellington Central, in the course of object-1 ing to the Governor-in-Council clause in J the Town-planning Bill, delivered himself! cheerfully of the opinion that, "The Hon.' R. McKenzie was the Governor-in-Council so- far as concerned 'chis business. God Save the King." And then Mr. Fisher went on to make reference to the recent I meeting of the Minister for Public! Works and the Acting-Mayor of Wel-| lington (Mr. Smith), and drew a picture of the terrifying possibilities that lurked for other inoffensive people in the wrath, of the Minister. While the member was speaking, it was evident that the Minister referred to was getting his guns in train, and hardly had 51r. Fisher resumed his seat, when" Mr. R. McKenzie returned fire. "It is about time that I brought some heavy cannon into action against this bombardment of small artillery," murmured the Minister, amid the laughter and anticipation of the House. "So 1 am the Governor-in-Council, says the member fpr Wellington Central, and he talks about Sir. Smith. . Well, I may as well tell the House briefly what happened to Smith. (Laughter.) Smith was very naughty. (Renewed laughter.) He got. a confidential paper, and, instead of treating it in an upright, honourable manner, he published it first, and afterwards asked leave to do so; and, instead of returning it. he kept it, and after he was properly chastised they endeavoured to work up an indignation meeting, and were very ably assisted by Mr. Fisher. This indignation meeting was reallv a sort of preliminary to the general efection. (Laughter.) What objection could the member for Wellington Central and the member for Wei- j lington North take to me '(Mr. McKen , zic) telling Mr. Smith that he had acted : so discreditably in connection with the; matter that he preferred to have some-. one else to deal with. The fact was thej Opposition tried to make every post a j winning post, and went so far as to give a free concert in the Town Hall, with! the organ ploying, for Mr. Massey and j the party. (Renewed laughter.) But| there was hardly anyone there (chuckled Mr. McKenzie). Mr. Luke endeavoured to keep the episode on the board, and in doing so came near confusing the Minister with j the chair, much to the amusement of members. "I think that Mr. Smith was only wrong in nof giving the information to the Press Association, instead of to one paper." said he, adding: "There was no breach when it would have appeared in the 'Gazette' on 31st of the month." • "(let o«!t," exclaimed the Minister and the House roared. The interchange continued until the chairman had' to rule all reference to Mr. Smith out of order for the rest of the evening.