NEW SOUTH WALES POLITICS.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14289, 27 February 1912, Page 7

NEW SOUTH WALES POLITICS.

-—*, — THE SPEAKER AND THE OPPOSITION. TJnited Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received February 26th, 9 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 26. Mr Levien's motion, reflecting on tho Speaker;, was the first business called on in the the atmosphere of which was electric. Before the motion was introduced, Mr Wood asked if it could bo discussed free from any restrictions by the Chair. The Speaker asked Mr Wood to withdraw or apologise. Mr Wood disclaimed any intention of personal often siveness. The Speaker held that it was not a question of personal offence, but of offence to tht» House. Mr Vood declining to withdraw, ho was removed by the Speaker's order, the Opposition showing strong resentment. The Speaker cautioned two other members. Mr Levien then moved bis motion. THE SPEAKER CRITICISED. (Received February 261h, 11.10 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 26. Mr. Levien took exception to the manner of Mr Willis's appointment. He did not think any urovernment, in this or any other country, could show ( ihe Chair occupied under similar circumstances. He (Mr Levien), an Independent, was offered, and refused, the Chair, but Mr Willis, a Liberal, accepted it under conditions which made his. occupauoy a matter of sorrow. Mr Willis had not occupied it with the dignity necessary to the position. The three essentials were impartiality, fairness, and common justice, and he had not been impartial, fair, and just. The division is expected late tonig'jti It is antici-ated that Mr Levien's motion will be defeated by a narrow margin.