Political Gossip

Southland Times, Issue 19193, 3 November 1903, Page 2

Political Gossip

By Telegraph. From Our Own Correspondent. WELLINGTON, Nov. S. TIIK SCKNH IN PARLIAMENT. Members me .still talking about tbo " regrettuble episode " on the second reuomg o f thu Licensing Hill. It is regardeu us th« ino.^t disgraceful sc(:iie that hus been witnessed on the Hour of any New Zealand Parliament if the bill is proceeded with it i.s feared that tho dignity of the House, of which we ho.vo iieurd so much this year, will not bo im* proved during the progress of the meamirt. Alter me row on Saturday morning at least half a dozen members were. " looking lor bother "in the lobbies ; their coatb " were hanging loose " und they were prepared for v mill with anyone. Tho N.Z.. Tinies, in a bitter leader this morning, places all the blame on Uiu shoulders of Messrs Taylor and -UcLuchlan. They way that " the final tost uf v man's lit ness to represent a constituency iv l'urliututsiit may Ik> said to arise when Hie atmosphere 01 the House Ixjcouies heated ; when meuibers- are exhausted by late sittings, and when feeling runs hign over some important pul)lic question." " Ju<lgo<l by this standard/ .says tho paper, " Mr T. \l. Taylor, a rabid prohibitionist, member, and Mr J. McLachlan, a prohibitionist delegate, are not worthy of the conlidence of the electors." The journal had also a word of advico for Mr Speaker in these words : " It is to be. hoped that for the remainder of tho session the Speaker will exerciso greater linnness and promptitude- in suppressing the disorderly tendencies oi tho prohibitionist members. It is doubtless an admirable thing to give latitude to a disappointed minority desirous of venting its spleen, but this indulgence lbust not be carried too fur. it is tt sign of weakness- to allow liberty to degenerate into license." Tho paper stands practically alone in thus condemning the two members mentioned us being wholly and solely to bUwne. Some hard personal things were (lung at both of them and they returned the blows with interest. Mr McLachlan's apology was that of .a man and he come out of tho nasty business exceedingly well and with some dignity. The general opinion is that others wen more to blame than, he and had not the grace and tact which tho member for Ashburton ultimately displayed. After the diHMirbunce ho wnntul t.<i " shako hand*- ami In- friend*." tilt hough he had received »n art mil blow oil the UiOUtll, but his proliered band was not accepted. AXOTIIKR AM" 15KTTEK VIEW. The Post treats the episode in a different light. It blames the 1 Premier for bringing down so contentious a immsuro at. this stage of the session, when members are weary and unfit to deal with it; when their nerves; are gone. The Ijost is not far from the truth either. We in tho Pros*. Gallery are able to appreciate the arguments used in the article. Although no great ninmint of business has been done this session it has been a wcaryiuir one. The tension hus been high ; the hot weather is making its-elf fait, and members are only human. In the gallery there is a wonderful camaraderie and you never hear a cross word even at 5 a.m.. and in tho Hoiine there is something of the same spirit, but it is not so pronounced. Members ar« overwrought, and on a subject like the Li- i censing Hill, at this period of the bossion and after an all night Hitting, it is j not to be wondered at that they become irritable and inclined to look for trouble. The ltost Hays ; " Under such circumstances it is idle to say that tho Speaker must maintain order. Overwrought himself he is expected to keep un exhausted and irascible Mouse within bounds. A private employer or a commercial company treating a staff us Mr Seildon treats members would be held up to general execration and mad» the subject of emergency legislation. The House undoubtedly has the remedy in its own hands. It could und should assert itself, but it is dominated by its leader, upon whom, chiefly and primarily, must rest the responsibility for such irregularities n.« the painful Incident of Saturdny morning."