THE SERGEANT-AT-ARMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2105, 28 June 1894, Page 19

THE SERGEANT-AT-ARMS.

As was expected, a rather warm discussion took place upon the question of the appointment of Colonel Fraser as Sergeant-at-Arms. It was first broached by Sir Robert Stout, who asked if anyone had been appointed Sergeant-at-Arms. To this the Premier replied that no such appointment had been made, but that it was the intention of the Government at an early date to give the House an opportunity of going into the matter. Upon this answer being given, it looked as though the threatened storm had blown over for the day ; but Sir Robert Stout shortly afterwards rose to a question of privilege, sayiDg he presumed the officers of the House were under the jurisdiction of the Speaker. He then drew attention to the fact that a gentleman nob a member of the House was preeent. To this Sir Maurice replied that he had been approached on the subject, and had stated that he had no objection to Colonel Fraser acting in the position referred to. Sir Robert Stout, however, pointed out that the explanation of the Speaker was not on all-fours with the Premier's assurance that no one had been appointed either temporarily or permanently, and therefore the gentleman acting as Sergeant, being neither appointed by the Governor, the Speaker, nor the Premier, was an interloper. The Speaker apparently saw that there was a real difficulty, but stated that, in view of the Premier's intention of bringing the matter up again, he did not think it was the desire of the House for him to place upon Colonel Fraser the indignity of ordering him to retire. Captain Russell strongly supported Sir Robert, and in reply to the Premier's statement that they should first deal with certain urgent measures and then proceed to set their house in order, he stated that the only sensible method was to commence by setting their house in order. He contended that this appointment was one of the results of the recent endeavours of the Premier, relying on the support of a strong majority, to override the rights and privileges of the House. The legal aspect was also insisted on by Mr Bell, and then Sir Robert took a more drastic course by giving notice tbat he would move that a respectful address be presented to his Excellency requesting him to appoint a suitable man to the position of Sergeant -at - Arms. This once more brought the Premier hurriedly to his feet, and he declared with great significance that such a motion could only be tak-en by him in one way ; but before he indicated in what way that was the Speaker interposed, and suggested that the Premier should give the House an opportunity to go into the question te-morrow. Mr Seddon agreed, and the matter dropped.