LIQUOR AND POLITICS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 29, 4 February 1927, Page 9

LIQUOR AND POLITICS

NEW SOUTH WALES HOUSE

MEMBERS COME TO BLOWS

(United Press Association.—Copyright.) SYDNEY, 3rd February.

Amid scenes of bitter anger and recrimination the Liqour Amendment Bill was read a third time in the Legislative Assembly.

When the Chief Secretary, Mr. C. C. Lazzarini, moved the closure of the debate. Mr. Lane,-Nationalist, advanced to the table and shouted at Mr. Lazzariui: "How much are you getting out of it? Your hands are red with it — the lot of you."

Hr. Lazzarini retorted: "You are a dirty, low-minded scoundrel."

The gag was eventually carried by 39 vote's to 37, and the Bill passed its third reading by 45 votes to 27, amid indescribable tumult.

The climax came when, after members had left their seats for thedivision, Mr. Lane remained at the table shouting indignantly at the Government. He said: "The liquor trade has never got anything it hasn't paid for. Your hands are red with their money." Mr. Lazzarini ran across the floor of the Chamber and aimed a wild swing at Mr. Lane and hit him on'the nose. Mr. Lane made no attempt to defend himself or retaliate.

Another scene of wild disorder followed, and Messrs. Arkins and Ness, both Prohibitionists, rushed at Mr. Lazzarini, but were held back by their friends, and Mr. Lazzarini was dragged back by his supporters.

In the meantime the Speaker was hammering on his desk, calling for order. He ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove Mr. Lane and Mr. Lazzarini. The Sergeant removed Mr. Lane, and Mr. Lazzarini walked out.

Eventually order was restored, and both members later apologised to the Speaker.

Mr. Lane states that Mr. Lazzarini's blow did not reach his nose, but glanced off Mr. Lane's hand, as he instinctively raised it in a warning gesture.