Political

Bruce Herald, Volume x, Issue 956, 9 November 1877, Page 7

Political

THE NO-CONFIDENCE DITISION. The Speaker asked first whether any member wished to B.p.?;\U,and then whether jt wasj the wish of the House that he should put the question. He then put if, and the voices' b«iner ahoat equal, be a-^ed m.em.htfss. IP give their voices again, Mr Q-eorge M'Lean seem.e4 then to im ngine something waa wpong, and got up to speak. He went- on for some time while the Speaker was observed to be referring to some books. &fcsP Mr. M Lean had gone on for ahoufc five l^intytec! the Speaker interrupted him. by saying that after consulting authorities j he had to rule the honourable member out of order, as the voices having teen taken no one could speak He then proceeded to cail t'qr ?h$ voices again. A snene outvied which beggars description. Mr M'Lean persisted iv speaking; the Speaker ordered him to resume his seat. Mr Heid jumped up, and tried to argue the point." Major Atkinson livid with rage ,came forward to ask a question on a point of order; the Speaker sternly ordered J hon. members to resume their seats, j Mr Moorhoube, who was. also on hUul«g;>, ] satdowD, but Major ArkiosQUtookanother step forward } tWye were perfect yells of ordfj"" from, all sidesof the House, aud cries of « Put him out," "adjourn," "chair," and "•Bit down," Mnjor Atkinson white with \ page, endeavoured to make his voice heard, but after about three minutes confusion i the speaker absolutely shou'-ed out, so as I to be heard above the din, " I shall proceed to put the question, despite this i unseemly interruption," -and he put the j question, that the words proposed to be omitted (Major Atkinson's motion) stand part of the question. He declared the noes had it, and Major Atkinson said the ayes bad it. The bell was rung, and after the usual interval, the doors were locked. It was Bpeedily seen, as the members told off to the lobbies, that Messrs Johq-

rt 'p/lYavers, and Gisborne were absentand that, it was a tie. The Speaker gave his vote in accordance with strict Parlimentary precedent, to leave the matter open to discussion, as well as in- accord with his sympathies. Thf-n when the result took place Major Atkinson brought forward his amendment to Mr Eeynolds's motion, by way of ait addition, and some objection was raised to his moving it. The Speaker ruled he was in order, but Major Atkinson, evidently mistrusting his own temper, handled it over to Mr M'Leaa to move, who did it in a very weak speech. He was several times interrupted on points of order, and there is little doubt the amendment will be ruled inadmissable. The battle is now virtually won by the Government. The other side have been out-manoeuvred by the excellent tactics of J. C. Brown and Bunny, and completely circumvented. In fact, there is little doubt Ministers will now be able to hold their own for the session. — Correspondent ' Otago Times.'