FEDERAL PARLIAMENT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 30 September 1944, Page 5

FEDERAL PARLIAMENT

TWO OPPOSITION MEMBERS SUSPENDED Canberra, Sept. 28. An open breach between the Minister of Transport, Mr Ward, and the Attorney-General, Dr. Evatt, on the question of prosecuting four pupils of Geelong Grammar School for an alleged attempt “to hop the border,” led to the suspension of two Opposition members in the House of Representatives to-day. Mr Anthony, Country Party (New South Wales), and Sir Frederick Stewart, United Australia Party (New South Wales), were suspended after a series of questions on Mr Ward’s open criticism of Dr. Evatt’s decision not to prosecute the boys. The impartiality of the Speaker, Mr Rosevear. was challenged by Opposition members, when the Country Party leader, Mr Fadden. moved the adjournment of the House to discuss the Speaker’s ruling. The motion was defeated. Criticising Dr. Evatt’s decision not to prosecute the boys, Mr Ward said he believed that whatever restrictions were imposed should be uniform. There should not be any special provision for pupils from any particular school simply because their fathers happened to be influential or because ex-pupils of that school were prominent people. Mr Anthony was suspended when he demanded his rights to ask a question on Mr Ward’s statement on Dr. Evatt. Sir Frederick Stewart was ‘named’ when he accused the Speaker of protecting "an arrogant Minister.”