EXTRA EDITION.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXII, Issue 47, 24 August 1911, Page 8

EXTRA EDITION.

NEW SOUTH WALES ASSEMBLY. MR. WILLIS APPOINTED SPEAKER. AN EXTRAORDINARY ACCIDENT. LABOUR MEMBER INJURED. REDUCING "HIS PARTY'S STRENGTH. BJ Telegraph.— Pres* , Association.— Copyright, (Received August 24, 0.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The State Assembly adjourned at 8 o'clock this morning. Mr. Willis was appointed Speaker. Mr. Meehan, a Labour member, in an exhuberance of spirits at the victory of his party, was sliding down, the bannister of the stairs when he Overbalanced and fell on a packing-case, fracturing his pelvis, and sustaining concussion of the brain. He was removed to the hospital in an unconscious condition. It is now doubtful if the Opposition will grant him a, pair. If not, it will mean that Mr. Willis will have to exercise his casting vote in any discussions. Mr. Meehan is member for one of the metropolitan, constituencies. This is his first Parliament. Hie selection over Alderman English as the Labour nominee created some dissension in Labour circles prior to election time. Mr. Meehaa is the "King O'Malley" of the State Labour Party. Some weeks ago, when, after lengthy negotiations, Mr. Holnmn secured the prorogation of Parliament, Mr. Meehan created merriment by entering the Chamber with his swag up and al^ired in imitation of a "swaggie on the wallaby." During last session he was noted_ for interjections and boisterous 'behaviour. Withal, Mr. Meehan has a good standing in the party. He was president of the last and most important State Labour Conference.