THE LABOUR MEMBERS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13956, 16 July 1909, Page 5

THE LABOUR MEMBERS.

SCENES, IN THE COMMONS. MR THORNE SUSPENDED. Press Assoeialion-Uy Telegraph-Copyright LONDON, July 15. Received 9.15 p.m., July 15th. During the Budget debate in the blouse of Commons, Mr Prettynian was speaking, when Air Will Thome's interruptions led Earl Winterton, Conservative member for Horsham, to remark that Mr Will Thoriie, Labour member for West Ham, was in an unfit state to participate in the deb.atc. Mr Thome replied: "I am' as sober as you are, my dear friend." Mr Emmott (the chairman of committees) ordered the withdrawal of Earl Wintcrton's remark. Earl Winterton said: "My sincere opinion is that the member is unfit, hut as you rule otherwise, I withdraw." ■ ■> Mr Emmott: " I must ask the Labour members not to keep on iutcrrup'tincr the debate." At Mi - Keir Hardic's instance, Mr Emmott asked for a more formal withdrawal of the expressions. . He had net. heard' Earl Winterton say that he still thought Mr Thorne unfit, but understood' liiiii to withdraw his remarks. Earl WinterTOn: "No other mean ing could attach to my words." ■Mr Thorne: "If not unparliamentary, I r '"H litm a liar." (Uproar.)

Mr Emmott: Ho has withdrawn everything. . Mr Thome.: "He is an absolute liar. I am sober as any man in the House." Mr Emmott asked Mr Thorne for a withdrawal of his unparliamentary ex pression.

Mr Thorne: " I'll ,";> nothing of the kind."

Mr Emmott then suspoiulccl Mr Thortic for the remainder of the sitting. Mr Thorne, on quitting the House, addressing Karl Wintcrton said : "Now you walk otit and see whether you arc as sober as I am." Mr Hardie assured Mr Eni'nott tl'-'t Mr:Thorne had not tasted liquor the whole day, arid said that he had used the words under extreme provocation. Air Hardie appealed to the chairman to recall Mr Thome's suspension. Earl -Winter-ton," amid cheers, said: "In view of Mr Hardie's statement, T am prepared to apologise to Mr Thorne." .

Mr TEmmott said that lie was unable to rescind the suspension under the rules of the House.