"SANCTUARY"

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 50, 27 August 1925, Page 5

"SANCTUARY"

MEN'S LEADERS IN MINISTER'S ROOM

SENSATION IN LEGISLATURE.

SYDNEY, 26th August,

In connection with the seamen's strike, Mr. Arkins caused a sensation in the Legislative Assembly by asking the Speaker to have full inquiries made concerning an allegation regarding an incident which happened on the previous day. "Will you inquire whether or not it is a fact that two members now under threat of action under the Federal law, Tom Walsh and Jacob Johannsen, were in this' House behind locked doors, with a certain Minister of the Crown?"

Amidst loud uproar the Speaker said he would not allow Mr. Arkins to reflect upon Ministers.

Mr. Arkins thereupon added: "I want to know whether this House is to be made a sanctuary for those who defy the law of the Common wealth Parliament."

The Speaker disallowed the question. The House continued to seethe' with excitement as Mr. Arkins continued to press the question, and refused to obey an order to resume his seat. The Speaker thereupon ignored Mr.' Arkins's further attempts to speak, and proceeded with formal business, and the House calmed down.