A "BREEZE" IN THE HOUSE.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 910, 1 September 1910, Page 5

A "BREEZE" IN THE HOUSE.

MR. RUSSELL ANO THE HON. R. M'KENZIE. UNFLATTERING. REMAKES. . - 'A' "breeze" occurred in the House of Representatives lost evening during the discussion on the Stone Quarries Bill, the central figures being the Hon. R. M'Kenzio and Mr. 6. W. Russell, member for Avon. Whilst Mr. Russell was making a suggestion in regard to a clause, the Minister rose to a point of order. Doubtless bearing in. mind the serious delays which had taken place in connection with this consideration of the- Bill, Mr. Russell ejaculated; . "It is nonsense to talk like that. If the Minister wants to sit like a mule and refuse help to those helping him to get the Bill through—-" At this stage Hie Minister again rose and said he was not going to sit thero and listen to expressions like that. The Chairman: The expression must be withdrawn. Mr. Russell: I will withdraw the • expression, arid say the Minister does not sit there like a , mule.. (Laughter.)' This drew a retort from tti> Minister ■that if Mr. Russell would not act as a gentleman and apologise like a man he would ask that the words be taken down. Mr. Colvin: Mr. Russell must withdraw his statement aud apologise for the remarks ho made. • ■ : Mr, M'Kenzie stated that if a member used objectionable language 'it was a reflection on the whole of the members. Mr. Russell had not insulted him, for he 'declined to accept it as such. . ■ ■ .The Prime Minister stated that it was a pity such an incident, had occurred. When Mr. -Bussell had rnade the remark it was .doubtless in a moment of excitement. The expression was one which, he would not have used in, his , calmer moments. He thought that Mr. Russell should withdraw .the remarks without reservation. It was a mistake to try and get round a ruling, a practice which had been prevalent. that evening. • :. Mr. Russell said that'ho had made a withdrawal, and ha expected Mr. ll'Kenzie to withdraw the reiuaTk of which.he complained. ■ ■ • -.■'.■..■■• .The Chairman said that he did not hear-the remark in question. ■;,. ' Mr v M'Kenzie: I don't deny that I made'uso of it, but it was after Mr. Rus- ' Bell had refused to withdraw his remark. 1 did not mean to,be offensive.. .■■"':: Mr. Russell (to Mr. M'Kenzie).: Do you withdraw? . ■ ■•.-. '."■. Mr. M'Kenzie: No; .1 don't look upon the remark. as being offensive. .. Mr. Russell: .Then X want to know what the Chairriian' has to say on the point. ' •• .■ • :■■•;.• .■' There was, however,.no further .discussion, on tho point. ' '■•■/ \ '