AUSTRALIA.

Colonist, Volume XV, Issue 1502, 16 February 1872, Page 7

AUSTRALIA.

SCENE IN THE QUEENSLAND ASSEMBLY.

The Brisbane correspondent of the Sydney Morning Herald, writing Jan. 11, thus gives the scene that occurred in the Queensland Legislative Assembly on the previous evenimg :— The Premier moved the adjournment of the House until next Tuesday, in order that he might have time 'or the consideration of Mr. Lilley's proposal for a compromise. This was after the dinner hour, and things were going on smoothly enough, when one of the most painful scenes which could ever hare arisen in any British Legislature took place. Mr. Pring interrupted Mr. De Satge frequently while he was speaking to the question of adjournment; but that was nothing to what followed, the particulars of which I will give from this morning's paper :: — Mr. Clark did not feel inclined to go on with any business, as it was extremely likely—in fact, it was certain—that remarks would be made that would stir up ill feeling between hon. members on both sides. There was no doubt that the hon. member of North Brisbane, (Mr. Pring) had used extremely offensive and personal remarks to the hon. member for Cler* mont j but considering the tone of the hon. member's speeches, and the frequent displays he had made of himself in that House, especially after dinner this was not to be wondered at. ; Mr. Pring rose to a point of order, and said the hon. member was using gross porsonal remarks towards him. The Speaker said the hon. member could not refer in that manner to the hon. member for North Brisbane. Mr. Pring (from his seat).—And more than that, I will tell the hon. member that if he comes outside tho House, in five minutes I will settle him. The dirty wretch! (Cries of " Order," " Chair)." The Speaker called the hon member to order. Mr. Pring.—l apologise. The Speaker was undertood to say that he would not permit this language. Mr. Pring.—The hon member waß referring to me in a grossly personal manner, and I had a right to reply to him. Mr. Clark had not caught all the hon. member had said. Mr. Pring (from his seat) .—I will kick you. (Cries of " Chair," " Order.") The Speaker again called the hon. member to order. Mr. Clark did not think it necessary for him to reply to tie hon member's remarks, as any person who knew him (Mr. Clark) knew that he was not afraid of any man in the House or out of it. They might not be surprised at the conduct of the hon., member considering when they knew the state he was in. In a speech made by the hon. member the other evening— Mr. Pring rose to a point of order. The hon. member should not refer to a previous debate. The Speaker said the hon. member was not in order in doing so. Mr. Clark then could refer to a remark made by the hon. member. Mr. Pring again rose to a point of order, and said, the hon. member should know he was out of order unless he was a fool. The Speaker said the hon. member must not call another hon. member a fool. Mr. Pring.—Well, sir, he must be a fool if he does not obey your ruling. (Laughter.) Mr. Clark. —If lam a fool, lam not drunk; lam uot intoxicated, and never am. lam happy to Bay that I bear a very diffierent character from the hon. member. Mr. Lilley rose to a point of order. He hoped that the Speaker would use his authority to put a stop to this state of affairs. He thought it would be well if the hon gentleman at the head of the Q-overnment exercised his authority with his supporters to this end, and he (Mr. Lilley) would use all the power he possessed. Mr. Clark asked what was the point of order. The Speaker said tha<- ho had called the hon. member for Warwick to order, and he had also called the hon. member for North Brisbane to order, and he hoped the House would support his authority. Mr. Clark apoligised to the Speaker for anything lie had done derogatory to his authority, but he would tell the hon. member for North Brisbane that his character was very vulnerable,, and bo sure as the hon. member attacked him (Mr. Clark) again in that House ho would say things concerning the hon. member which would make him repent of it. Dr. Q'Doawfcy ma proceeding to comment upon

the speech of the hon. member for Clermont when The lion, member for North Brisbane rose from his seat with the intention of leaving the House. In passing out of the bar he made an attack upon the hon. member for Warwick (Mr. Clark), who was seated on the Government, bench just within the bar, by seizing him by the whiskers and collar of the coat. Immediately the attack was made, The Speaker said, —Sergeant, arrest that man. The Sergeant (advancing towards Mr. Pring, who was then outside the bar). —I take you in charge. Mr. Pring.—Do you? Then you will have to catch me. [He then advanced at a rapid rate along the lobby, followed by the sergeant, who returned in a few minutes without effecting the arrest.] Then came a lengthy discussion as to what punishment should be inflioted upon the offender, the Premier, as leader of the House, averring that the Speaker ought to issue his warrant for Mr. Pring's arrest. Mr. Lilley, as leader of the Opposition, advised the ordering the errant member to attend in his place. Ultimately, a resolution, moved by Mr. Lilley, was carried, to the effect that the leave of absence granted ! to Mr. Pring at the commencement of the sitting bo \ rescinded, and that he be ordered to attend ia his place on Tuesday next. The upshot of the matter was that Mr. Pring sent his resignation to the Speaker.