SCENE IN PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 10104, 11 October 1917, Page 6

SCENE IN PARLIAMENT.

PUGNACIOUS POLITICIANS, MR MASSEY'.S ADVICE MEMBERS. • SHOULD CONDUCT THEMSELVES : WITH DECENCY. During the third reading of the War Pensions Bill last evening .Mr J. T. M. Hornsby made some rather strong remarks, upbraiding members for being placed, he alleged, under the thumb of the Government by the caucus of the previous day. Air Hornsby had not attended the caucus, and members resented his charges in language as strong as Parliamentary procedure would permit. The atmosphere- grew more heated when Mr A. 11. llindniarsh arose to champion tho requests of the Second Division men. He held that' where the Government compelled a man to go they should compensate such a.man's;dependents to the uttermost. Wealth and hind had not been fully taxed. The Government, was guiltv of class legislation. Mr Hindmarsh directed much, of h'is remarks at the member for Patea, Mr G. V. Pearce. At length Mr Pearce retaliated by interjecting: "We are not as afraid to go to the front as you are." This roused Mr Hindmarsh. "I can tell by your face." he shouted loudly across tho House, "that you are an absolute cur." ..A mild uproar followed. Mr Speaker called for n withdrawal, and Mr Poland (Qhinemuri) culled out: "He is quite right;' Mr Hindmarsh: "Yes, I withdraw. - ' Mr.. Nosworthy : "A member said thai ho was quite right." Mr Speaker severely rebuked members for frequent interruptions. Mr llindniarsh, who was plainly very angry, and .excited, proceeded to make ai legations against Mr Pearce ill regard lo certain business in the House. Air Speaker called him to order. , Mr;.Pearce (angrily): "You are saying what is incorrect, and you know it." Mr Iltn'dniarsh (shouting): "II is perfectly true." Mr Speaker again called Mr Uindinursh to order. There was quietness for a while, and Mr Pearce and Mr Poland were seen to leave the House. VIOLENT SCENE IN THE LOBBY. On arrival in the lobby there was a violent scone.- Mr Poland-and Mr Pearce were at it hammer and tongs with their fisls. The Minister for Railways (the Hon. \V. 11- llerr-ies) rushed in and separated'.flic pair. The lobby was the scene of wildesl excitement, and shortly only a few members remained in the House. One of the lighting members was bleeding about', the facc'an'd his cdl Tar was knocked i>ut of shajie. Peace was restored shortly afterwards. • Meantime -wordy warfare raged in the House, where Mr Jennings fell font of Mr Webb. "I will dress you down outside," said Mr Jennings, .who added a reference to the faet that Mr Webb was a First Division man who had not gone to the ' trout. Mr Wobl) said he would risk his life . without hesitation if the people who sent ' 111 m i-o Parliament desired it. but his constituents liad expressed by their votes their desire that he should remain here. A little later .Mr Veitch ealled'Mr Okey an "insignificant btickblock creature." Mr Massey intervened at this stage, lie said something would have to be done to stop scenes which were disgracing the New ; Zealand Parliament. lie asked members to conduct themselves with, decency and order.