SCENE IN THE HOUSE

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 13210, 29 September 1915, Page 4

SCENE IN THE HOUSE

MR WILFORD SUSPENDED.

Press Association. —By Telegraph. 'WELLINGTON, Sept. 28.

In -the House yesterday afternoon Mr Wilford asked the Minister of Defence if a* further hospital -shipwere necessary, and if so would the cost be raised by taxation, so that all would participate -in the contribution? ■

The Minister for Defence said he thought the time had arrived when, another hospital ship should be sent to the front. He related details of the Marama, which he announced is to be sent. The taxpayers of the country would pay for the charter of the ship and the fitting up as in the case of the Maheno. His Excellency the Governor had in hand the same work in regard to the Marama, as iu the case of the Maheno. He would be very loth indeed to take away from the women of the country the opportunity to d-o good service, as they had in'the case of the Maheno.

Mr Wilford: "There you are with your dirty answers again." Mr Massey: "I cannot allow thsrt to go." The Speaker: "I must ask the lion, member to withdraw his remark." Mr Wilford: "I withdraw, and substitute 'typical.' " The Speaker said Mr Wilford must withdraw unreservedly. Mr W'ilford: "I decline to do so, sir.'' The Speaker: "Then I am very loth to ask the Prime Minister to takii the proper steps." Mr Massey said his duty, though unpleasant, was quite clear under the circumstances. The chair must be obeyed, right or wrong, He »i«vedthat Mr Wilford be suspended for the remainder of the sitting.

Messrs Eli and Colvin urged the Premier to modify the motion to make it apply to the afternoon sitting onl}\ Sir Joseph Ward, while upholding the ruling of the Speaker, advised a similar course.

The Prime Minister asked leave to amend his motion so that the hon. member be suspended only for the afternoon sitting or until the member saw fit to withdraw unconditionally. The member for Hutt was called in, and asked if he would withdraw unreservedly. Mr Wilford thanked the House and the Prime Minister, but he never gave in when he made up his mind on a matter of this sort, and he respectfully declined to withdraw. The motion for suspension for the remainder of the afternoon sitting was carried by 40 to 17.