NIGHT SURPRISES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 761, 19 July 1916, Page 9

NIGHT SURPRISES.

CROWDED HOURS IN THE HOUSE. WAR REGULATIONS BILL STANDS OVER. [From our own Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, July IS. The presentation to-night of the 'Public Works Statement and Estimates came as a complete surprise to the House. The Statement would not be brought down till the end of the week was the general belief. The opening of this evening's silting was confused, in that quite a number of unexpected things happened. Wheh reports were called for the Hon. G. W. Russell presented the report of the Internal Affairs Department, and a number of minor reports were then presented amid the din that always prevails until members become settled. Nobody listened to the Hon. W. Eraser when he rose, because nobody expected anything important. The words "Public Works Statement" were just audible through the noise, and the effect was electrical. The noise stopped with remarkable suddenness, while members took in the situation, and the ensuing hum of surprise dropped, too, on the intimation that the Estimates were also being presented. Mr Eraser intimated that it was not proposed to proceed at once with the Statement, and then, while members waited for the War Regulations Bill which occupied the first place on the Order Paper, amendments to the Land and Income Tax Bill were introduced by Governor's Message. Certainly, the first few minutes of to-night's sitting were crowded and somewhat confused.

However, the House gradually settled down, and had got into ordinary working stride again when another bombshell fell. Mr Payne expressed himself too candidly, and was suspended. Nobody was paying particular attention to the discussion. Certainly the reporters were not, as the same ground had already been covered in a previous debate. Th:.' explosion of the member for Grey Lynn came with surprising abruptness. When Mr Payne had been disposed of business again proceeded quietly till at 9.30 p.m. the amendments were agreed to. Sir Joseph Ward then intimated that owing to the absence of the Leader of the Government and to (he lateness of the hour it was not proposed to proceed with the War Regulations Bill. He did not think it wise to go on with so important a measure at 10 o'clock at night, particularly as the Prime Minister should be present if possible when the debate opened. The House accordingly adjourned.

the wife's house, and considerable force was necessary lo convey Ihe man to the police station. Accused: Didn't you use force as though I was a repulsive and venomous man, until ] had to call murder? The Constable: No. Williams: J congratulate you on the intelligence you displayed. A man who is full of fight like you ought to be sent to the front. Accused gave evidence that he was not aware he should not have been on the premises. The magistrate sentenced him to 14 days' imprisonment on the trespass charge, and convicted and discharged him on the other.