SCUFFLE IN HOUSE

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 45, 21 August 1931, Page 8

SCUFFLE IN HOUSE

YOUTH INTERRUPTS

FORCIBLY EJECTED

The proceedings in the House of Representatives were dramatically interrupted yesterday afternoon by a disturbance caused by a'well-dressed youth rising from his seat in the visitors' gallery ou tho floor .at the back of the Chamber and attempting to address the House. He was forcibly removed. Mr. W. E. Parry (Labour, Auckland Central), who was speaking at the time, was vigorously criticising the speech of Mr. A. M. Samuel (Reform, Thames). "You havo not quoted. all be said," cried the youth, standing up in the floor gallery, of the House. An orderly attempted to silence the interrupter, but with a shout of .'?Don't stop mo," the youth flung the messenger aside. "Listen, tome; you are not going to put me out," he cried as the. assistant chief messenger joined the orderly. and attempted to remove the disturber., , . • A desperate struggle followed. "I have something to say. Don't put me out," pleaded the youth,-as he continued to wrestle with the officers of the House. By this time the door to the Chamber had been reached, and, the scuffle had increased in intensity. "If you don't give me something to do in this country"—"Let me speak"— "Don't be a damn fool, man"—"l am going to say something"—came the gasping words of the interje<Jtor as the officers reached the door of the Chamber. "There," exclaimed, the youth as ho was forced out: into the lobby, "you have broken, my glasses." The curtain overhanging the lounge door was torn during the final staees of the s.uffle. In a state of cold calm the youth, who is reported to be a South Islander with university education, was taken to the office of the Chief Messenger and asked to, explain his conduct. Instructions were given by Mr. Speaker that he was not to be given in charge, bnt admonished- and impressed with the gravity of disturbing the proceedings of Parliament. ■ , . ; . The yputh expressed his regret ■ for his conduct, and explained that he had been "all pent up" and was overcome by a sudden impulse to give vent to his feelings. He subsequently left the building in company with Mr. C. Carr (Labour, Timaru).■■-'-■. ■ - ■ . - : .\