A SPEAKER IN DANGER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14868, 20 December 1911, Page 9

A SPEAKER IN DANGER.

A PARLIAMENTARY "SCENE." THE OPPOSITION COATS OFFLABOUR PREMIER TO THE FORE. By Telegraph—Press Association,— ,' ;•■■*:; Sydney, December 19. Further details of the scene in the Legislative Assembly yesterday at the . closing of the session show that when the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Wade) ' left the Chamber after having been called to order by Mr. Speaker: Willis, the Oppositionists ■::>:■■ gathered round! the Speaker's chair, ': and hooted and shouted uncomplimentary . re- • marks. ,'.■■•■ .p-. - -.'.,,, ' The- Speaker tried to call the Ser-geant-at-Arms, but was unable' to make his voice heard above the din. The Minister for Mines (Mr. Alfred Edden, a veteran, but sturdy miner) gave a hand and assisted Mr. Willis from the chair, escorting him from the Chamber. The Oppositionists then gathered in the, lobby. Several had their coats off, and a free fight seemed imminent. ''/' ... . All of them were wildly excited, but a, solid phalanx of Ministerialists escorted Mr. Willis in safety to his .room. ; The Premier K (Mr. McGowen);. played a prominent part m preventing violence. ' I He coolly pushed his way to the front, and forced the quarrellers apart by, the exercise of his eat physical powers.. :;