N.S.W. POLITICS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 8, 25 August 1911, Page 5

N.S.W. POLITICS.

LIVELY DOINGS. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. United Press Association, Sydney, August 21. There was a remarkable scene in the House after Mr. Willis was installed in the chair. Members of the Opposition claimed to have been tricked, and there was a violent and continued uproar for a considerable time, many members apparently boiling for a fight. In several instances the intervention of others was necessary to prevent infuriated members from coming to blows. One member was forcibly dragged from the Chamber to keep him trail inflicting bodily harm on an opponent. The actual election was peculiar. When a Minister had concluded a speech a member on each side jumped up, and the Clerk of the House pointed to a Labourite who, instead of commencing a speech, advanced to the tabid and poured a glass of water over Mr, Willis. The mover and seconder thereupon hurried him forward and installed him in the chair amid hud protests from the Opposition, arid shouts that the Oppositionist who had risen had intended to make another nomination. This was greeted with cries of “Too late!’

Mr. Holman subsequently explained that there being only one nomination no division was required. They thought the debate had terminated, and so called upon Mr. Willis. The proceedings wore strictly legal, and the Opposition defeated themselves by neglecting to nominate a second man.

When Mr. Willis was introduced as the Speaker after the dinner adjournment, the Oppositionists remained seated, and greeted him with shouts of “There is no Speaker!” These cries were repeated when members were invited to proceed to Government House to present the Speaker to the Governor.

The Opposition rexxxained in the House while this ceremony was performed, and also declined to attend the Legislative Council Chamber to hear the Lieutenant-Governor read his speech. The cries of “There is no Speaker!” were again repeated. The Speech was short, and simply indicated that the Electoral Law Amendment Act would lie restored. The business paper was finally dealt with Also the Public Works proposals and such other business of an urgent char actor'as was necessary.

Returning to the Assembly the Speaker immediately adjourned the Hniipo in spite of further lurbvJent Liberal opposition. Mr. Holman declares the Government is to stand or fall by Mr. Willis’ election to the Speakership. He is not prepaxed to entertain any overtures tor an “Iteration of the decision.

Mr. Willis’ appearance was greeted with cries of “Traitor! Judas Iscariot!” and many similar compliments. Ho was asked if ho had informed thd Lieutenant-Governor of the trick by which he got the seat. The House, reassembling after tea. Messrs. Dunn and Perry took their seats, and the trouble immediately i ecommcnecd.

Mr. Cohen, on a question of privilege, complained that Mr. election was inegular. He was addressing the House when Mr. Willis was inducted to the chair,' and noted a motion for Tuesday dissenting from Mr. Vs lllis’ action in leaving the chair before the' motion was put.

The Assembly to-night was extremely lively, though Joss rowdy than the earlier -sittings. Mr. Cohen was constantly interrupted, and was frequently called to order. He concluded by moving that the action of preventing him addressing the House on the election of a Speaker, when in the act of proposing another candidate, was a gross breach of privilege. Other members attacked the Government over Mr. Willis’ election, and the debate was adjourned till Tuesday. The Council passed the j. ddress-xn-Rcply on the voices.

A STRONG INDICTMENT

(Received 25, 10 a.m.) Sydney, August 25

The “Herald” ‘states that yesterday’s proceedings reveal that Parliament, as a representative institution, has sunk to quite a pitiful level of humiliation, instead of representing the political minds of the people, they represented nothing but their own vulgarHv. The indictment involves both sides equally. No ray of honest purpose illuminated the burlesque. Members laugbted at the Speaker; they also talked - and made offensive statements, and withdraw them with their tongues in their cheeks. Ihe whole day was devoted to the inglorious pastime of degrading Parliament The Government had better ask for an immediate dissolution.

MR. MEEHAN’S ACCIDENT. (Received 25, 10.30 a.in.) Sydney, August 25. It is understood that a pair lias, been supplied for Mr. Meehan, who will probably be incapacitated for several months.