RECALCITRANT M.P.

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 118, 15 November 1945, Page 7

RECALCITRANT M.P.

INCIDENT IN BRISBANE

Rec. 9 a.m. BRISBANE, Nov. 14. For the second occasion this session and the seventh time, Mr. J. F. Barnes (Independent Labour), has been suspended in the Queensland Parliament.

Mr. Barnes is known as the "Bundaberg Bombshell." The Premier, Mr. Cooper, moved that the suspension be for a fortnight without pay, and this was carried by 46 votes to 3. Among those voting in favour were Mr. Barnes's brother, Mr. L. J. Barnes (Independent Labour).

While the division was being taken Mr. Barnes referred to the Speaker, the Chairman of Committees, and the Deputy-Premier as "three of the biggest crooks in the State." He called the Government members "a lot of dills." Rec. 12.45 p.m. BRISBANE, Nov. 14. "The police will have to carry me out before I will leave my room," said Mr. Barnes, who, after having been suspended from Parliament without pay, forced an entry to his room in the lodge in Parliament Grounds last night for the second night in succession.

After Mr. Barnes had forced his way into the lodge on Tuesday night new locks were fitted to two of the doors of his room, but these did not stop him. He inspected them during the afternoon, and, returning last night, forced open the door to the bedroom he had been occupying.

The Speaker, Mr. Brassington, was at the lodge when Mr. Barnes returned last night. Later the Speaker conferred with the Police Commissioner, but no action was taken to eject Mr. Barnes.