SLAPPED FACE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23023, 28 April 1938, Page 10

SLAPPED FACE

COMMONS EPISODE angry' labour member INTERJECTION RESENTED UPROAR IN THE HOUSE [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT] LONDON, April 6 Verbal exchanges and frayed tempers are not unusual in the House of Commons; only recently honourable members heard the Prime Minister, Mr. Seville Chamberlain, and Mr, Lloyd George talking angrily at one another across the floor of the House. It is very rarely that blows are struck, however, and the action of Mr. E. Shin well, Labour Member for Seaham (where he defeated Mr. Hamsay Mac Donald), in striking Commander R. T. Bower, Conservative Member for Cleveland. Yorkshire, on the face naturally caused an unusual scene. - j It was fortunate for Mr. Shinwell that Commander Bower, a six-foot exNaval boxing champion, kept his seat and his temper, and did not accept his invitation to continue the incident outside the Chamber. Remark which Caused Scene The scene occurred after Mr. Shinwell had accused the Government of humbug and hypocracy, and of telling half-truths in relation to General Franco. The Speaker rose and addressed some words to Mr. Shinwell. which were inaudible in the uproar of Labour cheers and cries of "Order" from the Government benches. "Go back to Poland 1" called out Commanded Bower. Mr. Shinwell's grandfather came from Poland many years ago, and spelt the name as Shinwald. At first Mr. Shinwell did not seem upset by the remark, but Mr. McGovern (Independent Labour) from Glasgow, refused to let the chance go. He jumped up to ask the Speaker if it was in order for one member to tell another member to go back to §ome country other than their own. The Blow not Returned This was all very vague, and most members did not understand what Was happening. But when the jibe was so openly referred to Mr. Shinwell acted quickly. With deliberation he removed his glasses; and put them for safety in his jacket pocket. He rose from the Opposition front bench, crossed tho floor directly in front of the Government and took one step up the gangway which separates the benches of the Government side. Conveniently placed at the near end of the second bench sat Commander Bower. Mr. Shinwell shaped up. Commander Bower made no move. Mr. Shinwell with his open right hand then struck Commander Bower so sharply on his left cheek that a dozing member Eiight have thought some one was clapping hands in the gallery. » Commander Bower had put up his hand to ward off the blow and he now folded his arms and did nothing. Mr Shinwell paused for a moment and then walked to the door. He turned round, looking pale. He jerked his thumb over his shoulder, indicating that he would like Commander Bower "to come Outside." But the bout was over. Mr. Shinwell's Explanation Amid the uproar which followed, Mr. Shinwell walked down the floor of the House to beyond the Bar, where he beckoned £o Commander Bower, apparently inviting him to follow. Mr McGovern, addressing Commander Bower, shouted: "That is your reply—you are a low dog." The Speaker called on Sir Alfred Knox who had the next question on the paper, but Sir William Davison [(Conservative, South Kensington) rose and asked whether it was in order for a member, to cross the floor and assault another member.

Afc this point the Prime Minister entered and took his seat on the Treasury Bench, Mr. Shinwell at the 6ame time returning to his place. Mr. Shinwell immediately rose and said, "May I make a personal statement? The honourable gentleman grossly insulted me in a manner which was quite'/> unwarranted. I was born in this country. I am a British subject and the honourable gentleman has no right to make the personal reference to me which he did. The action I took was the only protection open to me." The Speaker called on both members to apologise. Mr. Shinwell then apologised, first to the Speaker and then to the House. B p then left. Commander Bower said: "May I be allowed to say that my remark might be taken to be provocative and I would have apologised to the honourable gentleman had he had the courtesy to remain and hear it. I, however, apologise to the House and would say that so far as I am concerned the honourable gentleman's conduct has done him a great deal more harm than it has done me." Although Commander Bower did not at first seqm to be injured, the matter began to appear more serious two days later when he collapsed at the House and was forced to return to his honn>. Later he suffered a blood tumour in the left ear which fortunately burst outwards'.