PARLIAMENT AT PLAY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 2 October 1925, Page 4

PARLIAMENT AT PLAY.

SAMPLES OF LEGISLATIVE WIT. PARODY ON PROCEDURE. FROM OUR PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER. WELLINGTON, Oct. 1. The strenuous times in the House of Representatives in an effort to end the session to-day justified members of all parties in enjoying a parody on the serious affairs of Parliament when they had to adjourn this morning while the signature of the Governor-General was obtained to the Appropriation Act. Parliamentary wit is usually laboured, but some sporadic efforts on this occasion were quite appreciated by those who know the intricacies of procedure. The first demand was to lock the doors and place Mr Harris in the chair. “I’ll bet he will be stern,” declared Mr Potter.

The installation of the member for Waitemata led immediately to a point of'order over Mr Speaker. His hand was in his pocket. It was decided, as it was his omi pocket, the point was frivolous.

An attempt by Mr Nosworthy to get the mock Speaker’s eye led to a call for Mr Lysnar. 1 At the urgent request of the Minister for Finance the House went into committee of ways and means, Mr Howard being nominated as chairman. He objected, as he had no listening-in set, but on relenting took charge, and was greeted with a motion from Mr Fraser to report progress. Mr Coates, who had taken a seat behind him, “begged to support the motion so ably moved by my leader.” Mr Fraser: “Not guilty.” (Loud laughter.) "" The inevitable point of order joke was well handled by the temporary chairman, who undertook to quote May, the well-known Parliamentary authority, but was urged to try March. He decided, on the authority of the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute, that there was no point of order.-. A message from a very temporary officer of the Black Rod demanded that members proceed immediately to Bellamy’s to settle their accounts. . This was ignored. . % An amusing interlude came from Mr Potter, who from Mr Isitt’s place made a speech which Mr Ngata misinterpreted, Sir Maui Pomare getting .in some remarks in French, which the member for Waitemata explained in free style. A suggestion to. abolish the Legislative Council was adopted without the slightest formality.

Equally acceptable was a motion to prohibit Wright and Isitt, though Mr Wright objected strongly, pointing out that he was in his place till 6 a.ni., but Mr Isitt was'not there. Where was he ? The mock Parliament declined to hear Mr Isitt, hut forthwith prohibited him.

Efforts to maintain the fun became more laboured, and eventually ended on the doleful notes of “It ain’t goin’ to rain no more.”