GLOVES OFF.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 106, 6 May 1936, Page 11

GLOVES OFF.

AN OPENING "SPAR."

MR. SAVAGE AND MR. COATES. WIN FOR PRIME MINISTER. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. An early indication of the determination of the Opposition to carry out the threat made by Mr. Coates (National, Kaipara)—that "so far as the forms of the House would permit every inch of the road that led to the socialisation of the country would be contested"—was given in the House of Representatives to-day when the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, moved that urgency be accorded the second reading of the Primary Products Marketing Bill. No discussion is allowed on such a motion.

This resulted immediately in a clash between the Prime Minister and Mr. Coates, the latter attempting to draw Mr. Savage as to the methods he intends to use "to work the House." When the motioa was put the Opposition demanded a division, "urgency" being carried by 48 votes to 15. Three Independents, Messrs. H. Atmore (Nelson), H. M. Rushworth (Bay of Islands) and D. McDougall (Mataura) voted with the Government, while Messrs. C. A. Wilkinson (Independent, Egmont) ,and 11. A. Wright (Independent, Wellington Suburbs) voted with the Opposition. Formal business only lasted a few minutes when the House met at 2.30 p.m., and Mr. Savage then moved his motion for "urgency" on the bill mentioned. Reason Wanted. Mr. Coates was on his feet at once. "I know I cannot discuss the matter, ,, he said, "but what is the reason for urgency on such a bill?" "I cau answer that right away," said the Prime Minister. "It is because we do not want to stop at 10.30 to-night. We want to go on to a reasonable time, but we do not want to go on with the bill for ever." j Mr. Coates: Mr. Speaker— Mr. Savage: Mr. Speaker, I submit that the right hon. gentleman has no right to question my answer in any shape or form.' He asked a question and I answered it. Mr. Coates jumped to his feet. He again got no further than "Mr. Speaker—" Mr. Savage: Mr. Speaker, point of order. I submit the right hon. gentleman has no right to discuss the matter

m any way. Mr. Coates: I merely desired to submit this observation— Mr. Savage: I submit he has no right to make an observation. Mr. Speaker (to Mr. Coatee) : You may speak to a point of order, but must confine yourself to that. Mr. Coates: I have no desire to discuss the position other than this: I think "wo are entitled to have from the Loader of this House just how he intends to work the House. A Clear Indication. Mr. Savage: Mr. Speaker, I submit that the right hon. gentleman hns no right to take the attitude he is taking. I have indicated clearly that it is to go past half-past ten. That is all. Mr. Speaker said that reasons had been given by the Prime Minister. Those reasons might not be considered satisfactory, but members were bound to respect them. Mr. Coates: I am bound to respect your ruling, sir. But I think we are entitled to know — Mr. Savage (showing some heat): Mr. Speaker, point of order (Opposition laughter). I want this matter to betreated seriously. We have serious business and it i-; going through tho House at tTie earliest moment. The House then divided on the motion.