A Lady’s Name: Incident In Parliament

Northern Advocate, 11 August 1938, Page 11

A Lady’s Name: Incident In Parliament

In the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon. Mr H. S. S. Kyle (Opposition—Riccarton) concluded his Budget speech by moving an amendment to the usual motion that the House go into Committee of Supply to the effect that all words after “that” be omitted, .and the following substituted: That full inquiry be made into the allegation by the member for Auckland East concerning lady speakers.

Mr Kyle said he moved in that way because the attack had been made on the wife of one of the members of the Opposition. Mr Lee rose to a point of order, stating that the motion was absolutely out of order. No attack had been made on the wife of a member. If such had been the case the Speaker would have ruled it out of order, and such a motion, he contended, constituted a reflection on the ruling of the Speaker. Mr W. J. Poison (Opposition—Stratford) stated that if it could be definitely shown that no other lady was referred to but the wife of a member, an opportunity should be given for clearing the matter up. Only Conclusion. Mr W. .J. Broadfoot (Opposition— Waitomo) contended that the remark made by the member for Auckland East, Mr Scramm, could not possibly have referred to anyone else but the wife of the member for Stratford. The Prime Minister, speaking to a point of order, pointed out that Mr Schramm was not in his seat at the time.

“I question whether this is in order in this debate.” Mr Savage said, replying to a request by Mr Poison that another opportunity should be given to discuss the matter, “but, I will certainly agree to another opportunity being given to clear it up.” Mr Poison: Well there is no need for the amendment.

Mr S. G. Smith (Opposition—New Plymouth) said that at present quite a number of ladies were giving addresses in Taranaki, and as they were all under suspicion, everyone wanted to know who was the lady Mr Schramm had mentioned.

Mr Savage; As soon as Mr Schramm returns an opportunity will be given to clear the whole thing up. Mr Kyle then stated that in view ot this promise by the Prime Minister he would be prepared to withdraw his motion. The Speaker, the Hon. W. E. Barnard, said the member for Auckland East had not stated that the remarks were made by the wife of a member of Parliament. There had beeu an interjection by the member for Timaru, who asked wore the remarks made by the wife of a member of Parliament. The member for Auckland East had not replied to this interjection. In view of this fact, said the Speaker, he felt bound to uphold the point of order raised by the member for Grey Lynn. Mr Lee. The Speaker reminded Mr Kyle that so far his motion had not been seconded, and asked him what he intended to do in the matter. Mr Kyle thereupon withdrew his amendment.