FREE FIGHT.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18917, 4 February 1927, Page 11

FREE FIGHT.

SCENE IN N.S.W. ASSEMBLY. FISTICUFFS AND ABUSE. LIQUOR BILL AROUSES A STORM. (BT CABLC-meSS ASSOCUTIOH—COrtEIQBT.) (ACSTBAUAH AKD !?.£. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) (Received February 3rd, 10.40 p.m.) SYDNEY. February 3. Amid scenes of bitter anger and recrimination, the Liquor Amendment Bill was read a third time in tho Assembly. the Chief Secretary, Mr Laszarini, moved a closure of debato, Mr Lano (Nationalist) advanced to tho table and shouted at Mr Lazzarini: "How much are you *?tting out of it? Your hands are red ivjth it—tho lot of you." Mr Lassarini retorted: "You're a dirty. lon-minded scoundrel." A motion to apply tho gag was eventually carried by 39 votes to 87, and tho Bill passed the third reading by 45 votes to 27. amid indescribable tumult. The climax came when, after the members had left their seats from the division, Mr Lane remained at the table, shouting indignantly at tho Government. Hi said: "The liquor trad, has ....ergot anything it hasn't paid for. Your hands are rod with their money." Mr Lassarini ran across the floor of the chamber and aimed a wild swing at Mr Lane, and hit him on the nose. Mr Lano made no attempt to defend himself or retaliate. Another scene of wild disorder followed. Messrs Larkint and Ness both Prohibitionists, rushed at Mr Lassarini, but were held back by friends, and Mr Lazzarini was dragged back by his supporters. Meantime. Mr Sneaker was hammerincr on his desk, calling for order. He ordered tho Sergeant-at-Arms to remove Messrs Lano nnd Lassarini. The Sergeant removed Mr Lane, and Mx Lassarini walked out.

Eventually order was restored, and both members later apologised to the Speaker. [A previous message stated: The Assembly amended tho new Liquor Bill to provide that liquor could be served with meals up to 9 o'clock at night only on tho premise* of the holders of publicans' Ocenoes. Meals are also defined to mean a meal of at least two courses, the persons partaking thereof to bo seated at a table.] MISSED HIS NOSE.

(Received February 3rd, 11.55 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 8. Mr Lane states that Mr Lazzarini's blow did not reach his nose, but glanced off his hand its he instinctively raised it in a warning gesture.