MR FISHER AND MR SEDDON.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 849, 8 June 1888, Page 32

MR FISHER AND MR SEDDON.

A BREEZE IN THE HOUSE. An exchange of pleasantries between the Minister of Education and Mr Seddon in the House last Friday afternoon caused a diversion from the subject then at issue, and was provocative. of a good deal of excitement. Mr Seddon, delivering himself of a portentous speeoh on the attitude of tho Premier toward Mr Ormond’s motion, remarked that tho action of the Government was unconstitutional ; whereat Ministers laughed consumedly. Mr Seddon paused, and for a momeet stared at the occupants of the Tieasnry benches as in pained surprise. Then he recovered himself, and said, “Yes, Sir, it’s unconstitutional ! It’s as unconstitutional as it is for one Minister to write out a notice of motion traversing the policy of another Minister, and giving it to a member of tho Opposition.’"’ “It’s untrue,” said Mr Fisher amidst a chorus of cheers and ironical laughter. Mr Seddon remarked coolly that he got his information from Mr Cadmnn, and appealed to that gentleman to corroborate him. Mr Cadman was about to rise when' Mr Fisher stood up and said excitedly, “ I gave the honorable member the motion, but it was not in my handwriting, nor did it traverse the policy of my colleague.” Mr Seddon having thus gained his point, proceeded to congratulate him-, self, and remarked with an air of importance that he hoped Ministers would not again laugh when he was discussing constitutional questions. “Seddon on manners ! ” said Mr Fisher. Mr Seddon (who is well versed in the dark mysteries of Parliamentary procedure, and is wont upon | occasion to givo Sir Maurice O’Rorke tho benefit of his learning) instead of allowing the Speaker to call Mr Fisher to order, proceeded to make a short speech, in which he called upou tho lion gentleman to withdraw, thereby doing what is vulgarly called “rubbing it in.” Mr Speaker said Ministers ought, ho thought, to set an example to other members, and no doubt the Minister of Education would, withdraw his remark. Mr Fisher promptly did so, saying he would be glad to withdraw the words if they were offensive to the House or tothe hon gentleman. Then Mr Seddon went on his talkative way rejoicing. . The motion referred to (which was that asking for all particulars in connection with the Government Printing Office contract) was called on subsequently, but could not be moved, as Mr Seddon wished to debate it.