"HATS OFF IN THE HALL."

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18153, 16 August 1924, Page 14

"HATS OFF IN THE HALL."

I DISCIPLINE IN PARLIAMENT. (BTBCUI TO "THE FUSS.") WELLINGTON, August 15. Recently <in order, said to have been given by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has gone forth that visitors and others (except members) are to remove their hats while in the main entrance hall, and one of the passages of the House of Representatives. The order has in some instances given offence to members and to some of their constituents, not so much per"uapa because of the order itself, as "because of the manner of its enforcement. The matter was ventilated in "the House to-night. Mr P. Fraser (Labour member for Wellington Central), stated that the messengers in Parliament Buildings were often called upon to do little jobs that were not really necessary. For instance, he had a friend the other day who called to see him, but the moment he entered the main door at Parliament Buildings, he was curtly reminded that 'ho had his hat on. 'The visitor was naturally taken aback. Now, this man, said iMr Fraser, wjvs a voter and a taxpayer,, and waa surely entitled to enter hia own building without such humbug. But as soon as he poked his head in at the door, to bo told . A Liberal member: Quite right. That man wsib a responsible person, continued Mr Fraser.

A member: It is no hardship. Mr Frasor: I submit that these sort of things are unneoessary <umoyanoes, They are nothing but petty little cus--toms, and the time has arrived wheal they should bo dispensed with and chuoked overboard. There was another point about messengers opening the door for a member. Amongst the staff, explained Mr Fraser, were, many chaps that he had worked with at different times, and he did not bke them opening the door for mm. He was quit© competent, ns moat members surely were, to open a door hnnself. Of course, as a matter of courtesy, he would willingly open a door himself, for, say, the Government w-*u n f Ut ,- office - daughter). With all due deference to old customs and Tory tradition he considered that these thmes should be abolished and '^ he , TS ll° m , learn how to open a dwr for themselves. (LausrbteM thSht H Z' 7- said he thought the references to door opening were an indication that Mr FraseTw"? becoming "extra democratic." Both tins and tie "hats off" nde were tK &™3££*¥Sir?"'* A ******