LEGISLATIVE AMENITIES IN VICTORIA.

Evening Star, Issue 12873, 24 July 1906, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE AMENITIES IN VICTORIA.

When the Legislative Assembly met on July 10 Mr Bent brought forward a matter which produced considerable excitement, and was the occasion for a somewhat angry and discreditable scene. It arose out of the report of a meeting at Woodend, at which Mr Solly, one of the members for the Railway Service, was allegtv* to have characterised Mr Bent's administration as one of the most corrupt Victoria had had. As a matter of privilege Mr Bent moved —"That the statement be received." The report having been read, the Speaker said the hon. member would now have an opportunity to speak. Mr Solly -. The remarks in the ' Argus' are not actually correct with regard to the utterances I made at Woodend. I alluded to a remark made by Dr Embling in the presence of myself. He 16 a supporter of the Bent Government, and knows more about the Government than I do. I know a little, and what I do know is enough. Ho said distinctly before me: " This is one of the most corrupt Governments that have over taken charge of the Government benches." • The Speaker: According to the Standing Orders the hon. member w— now retire. Mr Solly left the Chamber. Mr Bent: I move now that the hon, member bo arrested by the Sergeant-at-arms.—(Sensation.) Mr Scott Bennett (excitedly): Why not arrest yourself, you scandalous old rascal? —(Uproar.) Several members rose to their feet on points of order. The Speaker asked Mr Scoff Bennett if he had used the words " scandalous old rascal." The hon. member shouted above the tumult: "Yes, I said it." The Speaker insisted on the withdrawal of the words, and the hon. member, in a humbler tone of voice, said: " I withdraw, Mr Speaker." In the course of further discussion Mr Bent intimated that he did not want to be strict, and if Mr Solly would come in and say he had no intention of charging the Government with corruption he would nob go any further. • Mr Boyd wanted to know, in order to make the matter clear, whether the quotation was merely used as a quotation by Mr Solly, or whether he endorsed it. He urged the Premier to withdraw the motion and let Mr Solly make a statement. The Speaker pouited out that it was the duty of every member to maintain the dignity of Parliament, and to say nothing derogatory to the House. It would be an easy way to evade responsibility if ho were allowed to make quotations. a*e might quote a. man out of the gutter. Ut .Mackinnon iLeatter «f i&s Q&eosi*

tio&) said that* a groat many people regarded Dr Ernhling as a supporter of the Qovonunent. Mr Solly had Btated that the remark was made by Dr Embiing, and he should not be called upon to twrow his opinion one way or another. Mr Bent; Do I understand that yon are Justifying the statement 1 Mr Mackinnon: That shows exactly the difference between our points of view. The ban. member says: "I do noi feel called upon to Bay. whether it is true or not." Mr Bent: The report does not say that. Continuing, Mr Bent said Mr Solly himself knew whether the Government were corrupt. If the words wore withdrawn ho did not wish to go any further, but he would not permit anyone to say while ho sat there that the Government were corrupt. If Mr Solly came in and said "I don't believe you are corrupt," he did not want to lock him up and put him to expense. Mr Solly was a young man, and he would be sorry to do thai. The Speaker, at the suggestion of Mr Bent, left the chair, and Mr Prendergaat and several Labor members went out of the Chamber to communicate the Premier's offer to Mr Solly. After an interval of ten minutes Mr Solly and some of his supporters re-entered the Chamber, and the Speaker resumed the chair. Mr Solly: I have already explained that I merely quoted a remark made at the Working Men's College Council by Dr Embling, who is a supporter of the Government. I did not endorse that statement. I have no proof that the Government are corrupt. If I had I should produco it in the Chamber, and not go outside to do so. I consider that the action of the Premier has been unfair to me. I knew nothing of the report in the paper till I entered the House, and bad no idea that the Government were going to lay this charge against me. Mr Bent: In withdrawing the motion I wish to point ont that I did not know of this report till five minutes before I entered tho House. I am not going to be under a charge of being corrupt. I accept the lion, member's withdrawal. Mr Scott Bennett: What is to. be done to Dr Embling? Mr Bent: 1 did not mnta my statement regarding the hon. member. (Viciously): I am satisfied with tho reply, and have no desire io proceed further. Tho motion was then withdrawn. At a later stage Mr Scott Bennett, speak, ing on the Adclrcos-in-Reply, said the Premier would do well to consent to the appointment of a committee or a royal commission to inquire into the buying of the Chirnside Estate. Certain statements had been made outside the Chamber that did not reflect credit either on the Premier or other members. It was common talk about town that the buying of the estate was simply a scandal, and the Premier would do well to have an inquiry in order to clear his own character and that of every other member. A commission should be appointed to show that there was no truth in the lying rumors which were going about. The statements current were scandalous. Mr Watt: What are they? Mr Scott Bennett: Corruption is whispered outside, and the Leader of the House would do well to have an inquiry made.