A SPEAKER’S TROUBLES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 2, 12 December 1911, Page 5

A SPEAKER’S TROUBLES.

MR. WILLIS’ POSITION DISCUSSED.

CHARGES BY MR. WADE

Sydney, December 11. Irt tho Assembly, Mr. Wade (Loader of the Opposition) asked if Mr. McGowhn proposed to make a statement regarding the published correspondence between Mr. Willis and the Govern ment.

lu 'Mr. McGowen’s absence, Mr. Holhwin said the Premier would bo present later, but he did not intend to make any .statement, “| r 'V|

Mr, • Wade ; gave notice- of .motion for to-morrow that tiic of the Govei'nment was deserving of censure. With; 3%.. -JVjade’s concurrence, Mr. Hojipan* .-arraiigqd tha^ijiftoption be taken ’ * ’ mi 1 W A Mr. Wage charged * Holman with raisl aiding .the House early, in the session in regard to the proposed business, ranking it appear that the arrangement, with . Speaker Willis was made only to enable the Government to adjust th!d electoral laws and rearrange •electoral boundaries, thus merely clearing the way for an appeal to the people. There was no suggestion of .direct or indirect agreement that Mr. Willis should have reopened the case when new' developments occur re He condemned the Government for a straight-out violation of the, ifirndamental o rules of responsible Government by entering into an arrangement withf,anybody. He further condee»ned them for want of courage in departing iiiopi the arrangement tlum made. The censure- debate Isl likely to be protracted. - ■ 1 uOt

“VIOLATION OF FUNDAMENTAL RULES.”

THE GOVERNMENT'S POSITION

(Received 18, 8.5 a.m.) Sydney, December 12

Mr Wade declared that the action of the Government' in making an arrangement with a, member in regard to the conduct of public business was a gross violation the fundamental rules of responsible Government; but breaking such bargain when once made was a thousand fold worse.

Mr. Holman, replying, said Mr. Wade’s grievance should be directed against the electors -rather than the Government. While the Government had only a fictitious -majority they would not attempt contentious legislation. Later, however, when they regained their original! majority conditions would alter: The agreement with Mr. Willis lasted only while the Government was without a legitimate majority. The basis of the whole arrangement was the -even numbers of the parties in the House. After Mr. Storey had spoken the debate was ended by.; the application of the closure, and the motion- was defeated bv 42 to 32. .. .