NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXXI, Issue 10257, 27 January 1894, Page 6

NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT.

The cable has already reported the chief incidents of the disturbance in the Now South Wales Legislative Assembly on Jan. 17, which led to the removal of Mr Copeland, the Minister of Lands. We now learn from the Sydney Morning Herald that when the Assembly met on the following day Mr Copeland made a very full apology for his disgraceful conduct. He said ■ I avail myself of the earliest opportunity which is afforded me of apologising most sincerely to the House for what occurred last night. (Hear, hear.) I have been here a great many years, and I think I may fairly claim to have been, under ordinary circumstances, aa well behaved aa most bon members. (Hear, hear.) Last night I was provoked beyond all measure, and in a moment of excitement I lost control of myself, just aa completely as it is possible for a man to do, and, unfortunately, I did what I cannot excuse, and what I do not desire to excuse. (Hear, hear.) I admit freely and frankly that the conduct I was guilty of last ’ night was beyond excuse, and I can only do what is open to any man to do, and that is to apologise, as I am now doing in all sincerity, admitting freely that my conduct was unbecoming a member of Parliament, and still more so a Minister of the Crown. I can say nothing more except that I acted under pressure of a great mental strain at the moment, believing that I was grossly insulted, and having a desire, which I think any man would feel at the time, to wreak vengeance upon the member who had insulted me. (Hear, hear). I have no desire to refer to the matter farther except to say that I have carefully considered what is my duty to the House and to the Government, with the result that I' have tendered my resignation as Minister of Lands. I can only say that I trust that whoever may have the honour of filling my position in that office may work as heartily in the interests of the country aa I have done. (Hear, hear.) Sir George Dibbs, who followed bis colleague, said; I have to inform the House that since leaving my office I have received from Mr Copeland a letter tendering his resignation of the office of Minister of Lands. In making that statement I may say, after the explanation of the hon gentleman, that I do so with very great pain and regret—(hear, hear,)—because no more loyal nor able colleague—(hear, hear,)—has over acted in concert with any ministry. (Hear, hear.) We have since been informed by cablegram that the Cabinet has decided not to accept the resignation.