POLITICAL RUCTION

Grey River Argus, 4 February 1927, Page 5

POLITICAL RUCTION

OVER LIQUOR BILL. In N.S.W. Assembly. A PROHIBITIONIST'S WILD CHARGE. SYDNEY, February 3. The Assembly amended the new Liquor Bill to provide that liquor be served with meals to nine o’clock at night only on the premises of the holders of publicans’ licenses. Meals are also defined to mean a meal of at least two courses, persnns partaking thereof to be seated at a table. (Received I’ebruary 3 at 10.20 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 3. Amid scenes of bitter anger and re crimination. Ihe Liquor Amendment Bill was read the third time in the New South Wales Assembly, when the Chief Secretary, Air. Lazzarini, moved the clo sure of the debate. Mr. Lane (a Nationalist) advanced to tin* table and shunted at Air. Lazzarini “How much are you getting out of it Your hands are red with it—the lot of Mr. Lazzarini retorted: “A’ou’re a dirty low-minded scoundrel! ’ The gag was eventually carried by .‘’>9 votes to 37. The Bill was then passed the third reading by IS of a majority —45 to 27 amid an indescribable tumult. The climax came when, ’after the mem hers had left their seats for the division, Air. Lane remained at the table, shouting indignantly at the Government. He said: “The liquor trade has never got anything it hasn't paid for! Your hands are red with their money!”

Mr. Lazzariui then ran across the floor of the chamber, and aimed a wild swing at Air. Lane, hitting him on the nose. Air. Lane made no attempt to defend himself or retaliate. Another scene of wild disorder followed when Air. Arkins and IMr. Ness, both of whom are. Prohibitionists, rushed at Air. Lazzaiini, but they were held back by friends, and Air. Lazzarini was then dragged back by supporters. Afpantime Air. Speaker was hammering on his desk, calling for order. He ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove Mr. Lane and Air. Lazzarini. The Sergeant removed Air. Lane. Air. Lazzarini walked out. Eventually order was restored and both members Inter re-enered and apologised to the Speaker.