THE MINISTER OF LANDS AND MR G. HUTCHINSON.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume VII, Issue 275, 26 September 1896, Page 6

THE MINISTER OF LANDS AND MR G. HUTCHINSON.

When the Committee on the Banking Enquiry adjourned on Tuesday last; a rather exciting encounter took place in the. lobby between Mr George Hutchinson and ihe iVlinister of Lands in reference to a passage at arms . which previously occurred at the meeting of Committee. Mi- Hutchiusbn. approaching the Ministei*, remarked, /' " Well, John McKenzjjp, you- chal- ~r< lenged me to repeat tHe words in the lobby; Ido so." The Minister promptly threw off his coat and a-U vanced upon Mr Hutchinson in a threatening attitude, but Mr Ward and Mr Graham promptly stepped between the two men, and the Premier coming on the scene prevailed upon Mr McKenzie te resume his coat, and the incident ended. *

The talk of the lobbies afterwards may be surmised, consisting mainly of discussing the, passage-at-arms between the Hon. John Me X enzie and Mr G-eorge Hutchinson. It is generally considered Mr Hutchinson was chiefly to blame, and his part in the proceedings meets with few apologists. Apparently, when the Committee finished its proceedings to-day, the Minister of Lands had forgotten his challengo to Mr Hutchinson, or at loast did not expect that it would be so sharply taken up. .The action of the Premier, Mr Ward and Mr Graham has been generally . commended, though several ardent sports are feeling considerably disappointed tllat matters were not permitted to develop., The awful anger, of the aroused Minister so discomfitted Mr Hutchinson that he is said to have wished himself in any other locality t£an that in which he was.