PUGILISTIC POLITICIANS.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8484, 16 May 1893, Page 5

PUGILISTIC POLITICIANS.

A DISGRACEFUL SCENE.

SYDNEY, May 8.

On Thursday evening last a pugilistic encounter took place in the lobby of the Assembly between Mr Hayn.ee, member for Mudgee, And Mr Crick, member for West Macquarie. The encounter was not of long duration, but was hot whilst it lasted, Mr Crick's face showing distinct nigan of punishment. Mr Haynes escaped without any damage. The cries of the combatant*) brought two poUcemoa and other members to the scene, and the pugilUts wore separated as they rolled round on the floor. A Bill relating to tho admfaeion of attorneys, which Mr Crick had before the House, had boon blocked, Mr Hayues taking a prominent part in debating the measure. Aβ Mr Crick left the Chamber he remarked very strongly against the opponents of the measure. Meeting Ittr Haynee in the lobby, he made some offensive remark. Mr Haynee replied, and then Mr Crick, standing back, aimed a blow at his opponent. Mr Haynee immediately closed and struck Mr Crick on the faoo. The two struggled for a moment together, and fell near the steps of the refreshment room. The struggle was continued ou the floor for several minutes before the com* batants were separated by their brother members and the attendants.

On the House resuming, Mr Haynes mod© an explanation. He said ho was exaeperateu into what he had done, and he apologised to the House for his conduct. Hβ considered he had done his duty as a man in resisting a disgraceful assault aud the attack of * blackguard. The Speaker in pointing out that disorderly conduct could not be Sunished outside the direct precincts of the louse, thought that the matter might be well allowed to drop and the members resort to civil remrcUes elsewhere. Mr Crick stated to the reporter* that ac the result of insulting remarks made by Mr Haynes in the House on the Attorneys' Admission Bill, he said to him in the lobby that he should bo ashamed of himself. Haynes retorted that he (Crick) woe a dfagrace to the House. Crick thon replied that be would " smack Hayncs's mouth" 1C he repeated the statement. Upon this, Hayrvee made a rush at him. Ho (Crick) stepped back intending to hit him, but hia foot caught and he fell. Crick states that Haynea struck him in tho face white ho lay on his book. When they had beea separated he asked Haynes to come outside and finish the fight in a proper manner, when they recovered their feet. '