MEMBERS WARNED

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 94, 18 October 1934, Page 12

MEMBERS WARNED

"SOEELY TRIED"

MR. SPEAKER'S PATIENCE

INCIDENT IN HOUSE

Temporary expulsion from tho Chamber is the penalty ahead of constant interjectors in the House of Representatives who disobey Mr. Speaker's warnings to refrain from interruption. With more emphasis than is customary with him, the Hon. Sir Charles Stathamlaid down this rulo in the House last night. "There are.half-a-dozen members who are making a constant nuisance of themselves," said Mr. Speaker, after calling to order Mr. \V. E. jfarry > (Labour, Auckland Central), who had been punctuating the speech of the Minister of Public AVorks (the Hon. J. Bitchenor). At these words from Mr. Speaker, Mr. B. Semple (Labour, Wellington East) rose from his seat, -and, after pausing at. the lobby aisle, returned to it. Mr. Speaker said he was sorry to haveto make the observation, and his words were followed,by a jumble of comment from the Opposition benches. "Is that fair?" was a query heard. Mr. Speaker: Order! Order! Mr. Parry: May I rise to a point of order? Mr. Speaker: Order! Order! I shall have no alternative but to order from the House for the remainder of the sitting members who continue their interruptions. . Mr. Parry: May 1 respectfully suggest that if a member of the House commits a violation of the Standing Orders, it is tho duty of Mr. Speaker to call the attention of the Prime Minister to the violation. Mr. Speaker: I think you are now questioning what I have said. Perhaps the words I mado use of were rather unfortunate—' "Quite uncalled for," interposed Mr. B. McKeon (Labour, Wellington South). Mr. Speaker: I am prepared to admit that tho words used wore nnfortunate, but members have tried mo to the utmost, and if- there is any repetition I shall have to exercise tho powers vested in me under the Standing Orders and order these members to withdraw. My patience has been very sorely triod. Mr. Parry: Other members — _ Mr. Speaker: You seem to think you have a special dispensation to interrupt. ■ ■ . Mr. Parry: No. Mr. Speaker: And I want you to understand that you will be dealt with if thcro are any other interruptions. I trust now that the Minister will be allowed to proceed with his speech. Mr. Bitchener concluded his remarks without further punctuation, apart from direct questions. ;