THE "STONEWALL"

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 99, 23 October 1924, Page 11

THE "STONEWALL"

GAMING BILL TALKED

,ALL NIGHT

HOUSE SEES SUN RISE

ORGANISED TEN" MINUTE

SPEECHES.

.Another full sifting day of Parliament's precious time was occupied yesterday, and for several hours to-day, by the continued stonewall upon the Gaming Amendment Bill, the. committal stage of which was entered upon at 3.40 p.m. yesterday. It could scarcely be said that the debate was serious, for at breakfast time to-day all' sorts of variegated arguments were being put up as to why progress should be reported. At that time the short title ■ of the Bill had not been passed. The ball was set rolling at 3.30 p.m. by Mr. J. A. Lee (Auckland East), who said that a'large number of amendments would be moved after the short title had been passed. Tb,e country, he said, would be very surprised, to note, the' obvious intention of the Government, by placing the Bill at the head of the Order Paper, to bludgeon the measure through the House. It was suggested that the debate might be carried over the week-end, but there was a race meeting at the week-end, and Reform members would probably ■ wish to be present. . . The Prime Minister was making the greatest mistake •of his political life, declared Mr. L. M. Isitt (Christchurch North), by pressing the Bill. He went on to refer to the attitude of certain rejligious bodies towards views expressed by the Prime Minister, when the Chair-' man ruled that that was. not relevant. Mr. J. M'Combs (Lyttelton) raised a point' of order as to whether it was competent for members to make wide reference to the Gaming Act, or whether they should confine themselves solely (jo the' Bill. ' . ' ' Mr. ' Speaker's opinion was sought, and after a 20-minute debate upon the points of order, Mr. Speaker upheld the Chairman's authority, declaring that there could be no appeal against the. Chairman's ruling upon points of relevance. .; . ''. FLOUTED BY A MINORITY The Prime Minister almost apologised for rising at this-stage. He did not want to lend his voice in the delay upon -the Bill, he said^ but in his. opinion, rightly' or wronglyj the House' was wasting time.* He had been told that in fathering the Bill he was flouting the wishes of some of- his strongest supporters, but,he could not,help that. He had made up'his mind, and lie was going through .with the Bill, because of ,the promises made last session. So far as he was concerned,' there was no influence in connection with the measure. He had submitted the Bill, and it was for Parliament to say what was to be done about it.' The voting in the division on ' Tuesday evening—4l to 29— showed that there was a very substantial majority in favour of the Bill. This was a democratic .' Government, and suroly, , when a substantial majority expressed themselves in; favour of it '■ their opinion was to bo respected, " and they should not be flouted by a minority. Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Avon): "You would not get it through with a plebiscite of the people." Mr, Massey: "I don't think the lion, member could judge." He suggested that members should discuss the Bill reasonably. ■He would not block discussion. It could go on, ,by all means, but he did think that . after all the stages the Bill had passed through,- and having regard for the. fact that' a majority of members supported it—and ho. believed they represented an equal majority of tho people of the country— the measure should go through. Mr. Isitt contended, that the voting was not upon the issue in the Bill. Ho knew for a fact that many members among the 40 objected to the increase m racing permits, \ j The Leader of the Labour Party (Mr. H. E. Holland) said that heopposed the Bill, mainly because of what it did not contain and that was the attitude of the Labour Party aa a whole. He intended to move later that no person should:be excluded from a racecourse for a criminal offence, provided he had not offended for a period of six months. "STIFFS" ON THE RACECOURSE ■ Mr ; .V. H. Potter (Roskill) outlined numerous clauses that should receive consideration when 'they were dealing with the licensing of bookmakers.. One of these clauses aimed at preventing bookmakers from establishing offices in close proximity to schools, churches, etc. A member: "-What about museums?" (Laughter.) -, Mr. Potter: "Yes, museums. I baheve there are more 'stiffs' on the racecourse than in any museum iv New Zealand." (Renewed lauchtei'.) The Hon. A. D. M'Leod (Minister of Lands) said that the city members did not know of _ the pressure and anxiety that existed in country districts in regard to new permits. They did ' not mind how they got them. The House was not long going to keep permits away frohl the country clubs. Ho was quite prepared to leave it to a Commission to say, without reference to the House, where the.permits should go.. A great deal of nonsense had been talked, especially on the Labour benches, about the waste of time, but if they were'serious they could get through the matter in a couple of hours. "FRIVOLOUS, PALTRY POLITICIANS" To maintain the torrent of talk opponents', of . the Bill sought to draw silent members into the discussion, but in vain. Mr. Monteith/called them "frivolous, party politicians," but nobody protested. Mr. Isitt, however, was more successful. He explained with great care why it was necessary to charge higher prices for books as a result of the high cost of replacement. Mr.- Lysnar raised . a point of order : "It is right," he askedy " to be discussing 'the sale of books? I suggest that it be stopped, otherwise we shall be here for a week." (Loud laughter.) Mr. Wilford: " I contend it is in ori'er, because' he v is showing what a gamble it is buying books during the war, ;and we are discussing gambling.1' " The Chairman: "There is no point of order." Mr. Wilford: "Hear, hear." (Loud laughter.) ■-. ' ' At midnight the ringing of tho bolls brought members scrambling into the House, but when they learned that it was only because there was not a quorum in the Chamber, and that there was no division, they expressed their disappointment lund enough in the lobbies to be heard in the galleries. Several opponents 'to ; tho Bill expressed regret that the' Prime Minister had changed his views since 1907, which chanae Mr. J, O'BWeij'(Westland) »t-

tributed to environment and the influence of the Baring Conference. Mr. J. MC. Dipkson (Chalmers) began a discourse on the. All Blacks, and eulogised Mr. W. S. Glenn (Rangitikei), a former All Black, who was in the House. j The Chairman requested him to be relevant, and Mr. Dickson explained that he was showing that members should be as proud of New Zealand-bred athletes as New Zealand-bred horses. A digression on fox hunting, in which Mr. Dickson indulged, occasioned another reproof from the Chair. At 12.30 a.m. the Chairman announced that in future he would rule all reference to the silence of the Minister in charge of the Bill as tedious repetition. BIRTH NOTICES AND FOALINGS Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Avon) expressed mock disapproval at the competition amongst members to take part in the debate. _He drew attention to the fact that birth notices cost proud parents half a crown, but that newspapers'published failings free of charge. Members merely smiled. Mr. Holland asked the Minister when he proposed to move the adjournment. .Did he intend to go on to-day, to-mor-row, and'right till the finish? The Hon. R, F. Bollard: "We have not made any progress.". Mr. Holland made a strong appeal for some information on the point, but the Minister remained dumb. Mr./J. Edie (Cliitha) then read out a list of) signatories to the Dunedin petition against the Gaming Bill, and gave a short biographical sketch of some of those named. ■ :. At 1.25 a.m. the Chairman of Commiltees intimated ithat -further references ,to race meetings, black listing of apprentices'or other employees, and victimisation of persons by the Racing Conference would be ruled out of order as tedious repetition. Mr. Edie shortly afterwards spun out several minutes of the time of Parliament by reading further'from the list of signatories to the' petition on the Bill, commenting briefly on some of the names. When he had sat down the Chairman placed the ban upon that1 method of wasting time. . . ' Mr. F. Langstone's contribution at about '2 a.m. included a parody on a hymn— ■ ■ I v How sweet the name *of gaming Sounds in a Reformer's ear. Mr. R.. M'Keen. submitted arguments to show that a boy had to have a character' like a bishop before he could get employment in a racing stable. CABINET SECRETS /' . A ,fresh touch of. burlesque was introduced at 2.15 a.m. by Mr.| H. Poland (Ohinemuri), who professed to be the Government's apologist for pressing the Bill. It had been recognised, he said, that Mr. Isitt's loyalty to the Government might be strained, to breaking point, but it was felt that once the Bill was out of the way his support would aga,in be forthcoming. Mr. Poland said he had not the Government's authority for the statement, but he believed their attitude was that if time was wasted on this measure it would be an excuse for dropping .other measures. Mr. M'Combs:' "You have, no right to give away Cabinet secrets." (Laughter. ) , Mr. Poland: "The Prime Minister is not in-good health, and he has been getting a vest during the past two days. For that reason the Government is all the more justified in its action." (Laughter.) Mr. .Poland pooh-po6hed Mr. Edie's attempt to influence the' Government's moral views, if they had any, by quoting the views of a Dunedin Doctor of Divinity. . _Messrs. W. J. Jordan (Mpnukau) and 1 otter, who followed,! were disturbed by; loud snores from <the Government benches, but laughter and loud talking failed to awake the slumbererß. _ Mi-. Young announced further restrictions on topics of discussion, but the next speaker declared that there were a thousand and one other points to be dis- ■ cussed. . .-■-.• The voice 'of Mr. M'llvride (Napier) was introduced into the debate for the first time shortly before 3 a.m. He made a little joke at his own expense when lie feared be might be compelled to reduce- his weight and become a jockey if racing permits were increased. Mr Witty: "It would not be dimcult." (Laughter.) -Mr. M'llvride: " But it might be inconvenient. ■ •■ . REDISTRIBUTION OF PERMITS Shortly after 3 a.m. Mr. M'Combs suggested quite seriously that the acceptance1 of the Minister's proposal for a Commission, independent, and with definite powers, for the redistribution of racing permits, would be readily acceptable to the House. That portion of the House which wag awake was considering the matter when Mr. Langstone, after a hasty perambulation, sharply appealed to tho Chair as-to the state of the House. Mr. Hockly promptly suggested to the Chairman that Mr. Langstone, who was standing beside him, was not speaking from his seat or any other seat in tho House. Tho Chairman gravely counted the House, and the debate continued. Mr. M'Combs had another inspiration when he saw tho Hon. A. D. M'Leod enter the Chamber and. stand leaning on one of the cross-benches. "I believe," he Baid, "that the portfolio of gaming and racing should be transferred to the Minister of Landq; if he accepted it it would be welcomed by the racing community." The reins were drawn tighter upon speakers as 4 o'clock approached, the Chairman of Committees confining them to still narrower debating limits by declaring that allusions to tho weights of jockeys arid tlie weights that might be parried by horses were inadmissible. The "stonewallcrs" on the Labour benches smiled broadly -when shortly after 4 o'clock Mr.. Isitt, refreshed by sleep, returned to the Chamber to continue his part in the barrage of talk At 4.50 a.m. Mr. A. Harris (Waitemata) thought ifc not unreasonable that the country should- have a referendum at next election on th© question whether the totalisator should be retained. Tlje country might also express its opinion on the point whether the bookmakers should be .allowed to practise. "We welcome the daylight," remarked Mr. M'Combs at 4.55 a.m. "I think you can soon ask the messengers to put the artificial light out." He' agreed with the proposal for a referendum on the totalisator. The proposal of Mr. Harris was statesmanlike. Mr. G. AVitty (Riccarton) : "Ah, ha." CONSIDERATION FOR OTHERS At 5.20 o'clock Mr. M'llvrido moved to report progress, so that the House could get on with the consideration of other important matters. In tho interests of others, Mr. Isitt felt it incumbent upon him to suppoVt the amendment. If they continued the debate they would deprive- tho poor widows who cleaned out the chambers of tho Parliament Buildings from performing their duties, and they would lose their wages. Furthermore. the Minister of Internal Affairs was recovering from a, serious illness. Tt was absolute lunacy to go on as they were And who is responsible for this lunacy.' he asked. "Not mo."' Reform members : "Oh, no ;oh no " Neil quid Mr. Isitt^ the/ vvji-jj tfc a

men who were pushing "this absolutely trivial, contemptible, wretched little Racing Bill" upon the House. He concluded by referring to the unwholesome atmosphere of the chamber. . Mr. Potter now appeared as an opponent of the motion, on the ground that if they reported progress the members who were sleeping about the buildings would have to be awakened. It was a pity that "Hansard" would not show the great fight they had put up against the Bill. At this stage a strong protest' against the farcical proceedings was entered by Mr. W. A. Veitch (Wanganui), who said he considered Mr. Isitt's speech, ranging "from mock pathos to a schoolgirl's giggle," was a degradation of Parliament. They had reached • a stage in the proceedings when they must not consider whether the Bill would pass or not. That now became a minor consideration. It was a question of whether a majority should rule in Parliament, and it was a question of the greatest importance. Members should uphold the dignity of the House, and not humiliate themselves by their behaviour. "LIGHT ON OUR DARKNESS" "Some light on our darkness, please," called Mr. G. Witty (Riccarton) at 5.55 a.m. as. the electric light was switched off. ' Mr. M'Combs spoke of the Committees of the House which would have to meet during the morning. He mentioned the Local Bills .Committee, which had to meet in room L. " Mr. J. S. Dickson (Parnell): "Go. to L there." (Laughter.) • . ■ There was a running fire of interjections at 6 a.m., when. Mr. Laugstone rose to protest against the noise that was being carried on in disturbance of the speeches. ■He also ' spoks of the urgency of Committee business, and thought that progress should be reported. . : Mr. M'Keen argued at 6.30 a.m. that progress should be reported.because the House was.i"breakfastless and sleepless:'." Mr. Lysnar: "Go home and get your breakfast." '■ "Yes, I have no doubt that everyone of us could do with our breakfasts," replied Mr. M'Keen, "but ,1 .want to give the country's business .'my earnest attention." ' ' .": "Why not stop?" asked Mr. Lysnar. "Because we are fighting for a moral purpose," replied Mr: Isitt. He said he had no doubt that the Press, underlie financial interest of the huge sport of racing,. would criticise their actions upon,the Bill, but he was not at all afraid of what the people of the country would say. A few moments later .Mr. Isitt interrupted Mr. M'Combs. on a'point of order as to whether Mr. M'Combs had alluded to him as a wowser. Mr. Witty: "If he did he was justified, anyhow." The Chairman said he had not heard any such remark. By way of occupying further time Mr.. M'Combs remarked that the 'Labour Bills Committee would meet to-morrow morning in Committee-room L. Mr. J. S. Dickson: "That's where you're going." . "I understand the member who interjected is already there," replied Mr. M'Combs, amidst laughter. One reason why they should adjourn; he Baid; was that if they continued there would be the ridiculous position that the 23rd of the month >vould go on record in "Hansard" as the 22nd, as the prolonged. sitting was considered one sitting day. ( | v Mr. A. Harris said the Government was going the right way to lose the support of thousands of voters. It was forcing itself deliberately offside with its supporters. Reinforcements would soon arrive to continue the debate, and once they came to the House the prospects of an adjournment would be gone, for they would be frothing to carry on. The Chairman by this time (7.15 a.m.) had nan-owed the subject of speeches down to the fine line of reasons why progress should be reported, and in their ten-minute bursts members were hard put to it to adhere to relevant matter. . ANXIOUS FOR BREAKFAST The reinforcements began to arrive shortly > before 8 a.m. Mr. Isitfc asked for an adjournment in | order to allow the opponents 'of the Bill I an opportunity to show by calling mass meetings that there was strong public objection to it. He had never known, m similar debates, of a party, in power ' that was ungenerous enough to deny the House a oreakfast adjournment. Rising, as he said, to pour oil on the troubled waters, the Minister of Public I Works (the Hon. J. G. Coates) said it i waß becoming more and more apparent j that democracy was not to rule in tho ! Dominion. One reason why they should i not report progress was that a minority of the members was iii favour of it. "I realise- what is going on," declared the Hon. W. Nosworthy,' who was act- i ing as Leader of the House in the absence of the Prime Minister. "I realise that the member for Christchurch North* and a. few others unknowingly have]been made use of. I know what is behind this thing, and I am not going to advise the Prime Minister to mnka »ny compromise, if I have to sit here for two or throe days." (Hear, hear ) Mr. Monteith: ••'You will sit hero, all right." The Minister said he did not want to be a savage, and he proposed thkt they should have an hour and a half for ! breakfast and wash. (Loud applause ) "Yes we are sports, you know," he added. The Chairman,: "I would remind hon members that that rests with the Chairman." At 8 a.m. the House adjourned, amidst applause, unt^l 9.30 a.mf