SCENE IN HOUSE

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 93, 17 October 1934, Page 9

SCENE IN HOUSE

THREATENED EX- ' PULSION

MR. M°KEEN WALKS OUT

The spectacle of a member of tho Labour Party rising hastily from his scat and leaving the Chamber, slamming the door behind him, was seen in the House of Representatives last evening. The member concerned was Mr. E McKecn (Labour, Wellington South), who was rebuked by the Speaker (tho Hon. Sir Charles Statham) on several occasions for interrupting during a speech by Mr. S. G. Smith (Government, New Plymouth),

Mr. Smith was dealing with the Public Works Statement, and his remarks regarding conditions in the unemployment camps were resented by members of the Opposition. Mr. McKeen, in particular, took strong objection to Mr Smith's remarks, especially when Mr Smith accused him of making misleading statements regarding the conditions of the unemployed. Mr. McKeen constantly interjected, and was called to order by Mr. Speaker, who finally warned "him that if ho did not desist he would be asked to leave the Chamber

Without further ado Mr. McKeen, flinging some papers aside, rose hastily from his seat, walked quickly to the door, and left the Chamber, swinging the door violently behind him. Mr. Speaker made no effort to recall Mr. McKecn.

Even after Mr. McKecn's somewhat dramatic departure the interjections did not cease, and the next Labour member to arouse the displeasure of Mr Speaker was Mr. W. J. Jordan (Manukau), who was also warned that if ho did not cease interjecting he, too, would be asked to leave the Chamber.

Mr. Jordan remained seated, and Mr. Smith proceeded with his speech, although' not altogether without interjections. Offenders were sharply called to order, but Mr. Speaker did not find it necessary to threaten any further expulsions.

Mr. .McKeen later returned to the Chamber.