N.S.W. PARLIAMENT

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 181, 28 April 1922, Page 5

N.S.W. PARLIAMENT

MR. LEVY’S ELECTION TO SPEAKERSHIP A BITTER DEBATE - Br telegraph—press association. —COPYBIGHT. Sydney, April 27. The election of Mr. Levy tn the Speakership of the Legislative Assembly was responsible for a bitter debate. Mr. Wilson, in moving his election, said he wanted to deny the statement that- the position was being given to" Mr. Levy as a reward for his action in stepping down from the Chair and bringing about the dissolution of Parliament. Mr.-- G. Cann said he considered that Mr. Levy had not proved himself an impartial Speaker, and that he had lowered tho dignity of Parliament; and now he was to bo given the position as part of a bargain. It was highly undignified that a man occupying the Speakership should carry on business as a solicitor, which carried him into the Police Court, where no doubt he was engaged in defending drunkards and others charged with disorderly conduct. Mr. J. McGirr declared that Mr. Levy had obtained the nomination because he held documents which, if made public, would bring . Sir George Fuller and members of his Ministry down on their knees for forgiveness. There were reasons why the other side did not dare to nominate any othei' man. He congratulated Mr. Levy on being able to work any Government in power. •The majority of the speakers, including the Leader of the Progressives, and Opposition members, spoke favourably of Mr. Levy’s qualifications. Sir George Fuller, the Premier, in congratulating him, said the Government supported him for one reason only—that they were picking out the one man who, above all others, from what they knew of his actions in the Chair, was most capable of filling the position. Parliament sat throughout the night. A Bill to reduce the salaries of Ministers and members was withdrawn in consequence of interjections from both sides of the House. The Bill will be brought back with amendments later. The Treasurer, Mr. A. A. C. Cocks, speaking on the finances of the State, said the previous Government had left a deficit ranging from five to six millions as a legacy.—Press Assn.