TENSE SCENE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 71, 25 March 1931, Page 10

TENSE SCENE

♦ EARLY MORNING BRUSH

CHAIRMAN'S RULING LABOUR CHALLENGE

A tense scone occurred in the House of Representatives shortly before 5 o'clock this morning, as the result of a ruling given by the Chairman of Committees (Mr. W. A. Bodkin) that certain arguments advanced by Labour speakers on the subject of tho alteration in the title of the Finance Bill could not be1 used, on the ground that they amounted to tedious repetition. The member for AVaimarino (Mr. F. Laugstone) had moved that the title of the Bill should be amended to "The Salary and Wage Reduction Bill." After six members of tho Labour Party had spoken to the amendment, Mr. Bodkin' detailed certain limitations in the debate, including one that no reference should be made to reasons why the "Finance Bill" waa not a proper designation. Mr. P. Fraser (Labour, Wellington Central) was immediately on his feet to protest that the limitation imposed was a most unwarranted one, and he moved that Mr. Chairman leave Ihe Chair as a protest against the restrictions he was imposing on members.

Tho motion was forced \ln :< division and defeated by 41 Votes lo -0.

MOST DRASTIC.

On a. point of order, Mr. Fraser said the ruling of the Chairman was the most drastic, that had ever been given in the House. In his opinion tho ruling had exceeded any ever given, as under it it was impossible to discuss the amendment at all. He suggested that Mr. Speaker should be consulted. With respect, he asked Mr. Bodkin on what authority he based his most sweeping and unparalleled decision.

Mr. Bodkin said he had allowed the fullest latitude on the discussion on the short title of the Bill. He recognised the importance of the measure, and that members should be allowed a wide range of discussion. He had taken a careful note of the various arguments adduced in support of the amendment, and had decided that there were certain points which amounted to tedious repetition.

The Leader of the Labour Party (Mr. 11. E. Holland) moved that progress be reported in order that Mr. Speaker's direction might bo obtained in regard to the matter. The question was onu of extreme importance not only to the present Committee but to Parliament as a whole. He submitted that if the Chairman's ruling was upheld it would be absolutely impossible to discuss the amendment at all.

"Ho has applied the closure," suggested Mz\ W. J. Jordan (Labour, Manukau).

Mr. Bodkin said he had not ruled that the amendment could not bo referred to.

On Mr. Holland's motion being put to the Committee, several Government members, led by the Minister of Labour (the Hon. S. G. Smith), called "No," and the division bells were set ringing. Members of the Labour Party at once drew attention to the action of Government members in objecting to Mr. Speaker being called.

"Why be afraid of Mr. Speaker?" asked Mr. Jordan.

Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Labonr, Avon): "They are afraid of Mr. Speaker's rul ing."

Mr. W. E. Parry (Labour, Auckland Central): "Don't be bad-tempered."

A CONSULTATION.

While the bells were ringing the Leader of the Opposition (the Right Hon. J. G. Coates) was seen to be in close consultation with the Prime Minister, who subsequently advised the members of his party, through, the Chief Whip (Mr. G. C. Munns), not to challenge Mr. Holland's motion. "The ayes have it," announced tho Chairman after the motion had been formally put. There was an outburst of applause from the Labour benches, followed by a jibe from Mr. Parry to the Government benches: "You took your instructions all right." Mr. H. T. Armstrong (Labour, Christchurch East): "Yes, the Reform Party made them do it."

"Where is the Minister of Labour?" inquired Mr. Sullivan. "You are a coward."

The Minister of Labour rose lo a point of order, asking the Chairman whether one member could call another a coward.

The Chairman said that the expression, must be withdrawn.

"It is easy to throw silly accusations across the chamber," said Mr. Sullivan. "I did not call tho Minister a coward. What I said was that the Minister's action in refusing to have Mr. Speaker sent for was cowardly." The Minister of Labour: "It is the same thing." Mr. Jordan: "You are not a coward, Sid."

Mr. Sullivan: "I am not afraid of you, Smith." On Mr. Speaker being recalled to the Chamber he made it plain that he had no power to interfere with the ruling of the Chairman of Committees on a question of tedious repetition, but he suggested that as the amendment had been debated by only six members some latitude should be allowed to members to discuss the question further.

CLASHES WITH CHAIRMAN.

The debate was continued without further incident until 5.50 a.m., when Mr. J. W. Munro (Labour, Dunedin North) rose to speak. His remarks were punctuated by the Chairman of Committees, who constantly remarked: "Tedious repetition," and finally informed Mr. Munro that he was using the same arguments as he had previously employed. Mr. Munro :"I was not aware I was doing so. The only thing that I can see is to challenge your ruling by letting you name me. lam quite prepared to let you do so." Mr. Munro continued his speech, but was again called to order, whereupon he resumed his seat.

Mi1. Armstrong said that Mr. Langstone had detected a weakness in the Bill which the members of the Government were too stupid to see for themselves.

At the instance of the Chairman Mr. Armstrong withdrew the word "stupid." "Are you ruling out the English language altogether?" askjd Mr. Armstrong, when a further call .of "tedious repetition" was made from the Chair. Mr. Bodkin ordered the member to resume his seat. "I object, and am prepared to be named,"'retorted Mr. .Armstrong, heatedly. Labour members: "No, no! Sit down! Bo sensible. Let it go." Mr. Armstrong: "No, he is ruling out the whole English language." Mr. Parry rose 1o speak, ami Mr. Armstrong also, but the former was called upon. Rising to a point of order, Mr. Jj'raser iskod the Chairman: "Will yen accept a resolution that this Committee has no confidence in the Chairman'?"

Mr. Bodkin: "No." Mr. Fraser: "We will mov« it in the House, then."