THE BEAR GARDEN

Waikato Times, Issue 12184, 20 September 1911, Page 5

THE BEAR GARDEN

AN ASSEMBLY UPROAR.

" A BAND OF RUFFIANS."

AN UNPRECEDENTED SCENE

THE POLICE CALLED IN

(Per Press Association.—Copyright.)

(Received Sept. 19, 10.10 p.m.) SYDNEY, Sept. 19. There was an extraordinary scene in the Assembly when Mr Story called the Premier's attention to Speaker (Willis, who in addressing a meeting of constituents, called the members of the Opposition a band of ruffians. He asked the Premier to ascertain if this statement was made, and if so to protect the honor of the members. The Speaker ruled the question out of order, on the ground that they could not take cognisance of what appeared in the Press. Oppositionists persisted, but both Speaker and Premier (declined to answer. Mr Cohen then rose and repeated the query. The Speaker repeatedly cautioned him and eventually ordered the Sergeant to remove Mr Cohen. The Oppositionists surrounded. Mr Cohen and refused to allow him to retire, resisting the Sergeant and the •messengers who e&me to his assistaoce. There was an unprecedented uproar and several Ministers and the Speaker vacated their chairs and left th 3 Chamber. The Oppositionists mounted the dias and flung the Speaker's papers after him.

A VIOLENT STRUGGLE

SEVEN MEMBERS EJECTED

(Received Sept. 19, 10.10 p.m.) SYDNEY, Sept. 19. The Assembly had adjourned for half an hour and when reassembling the Speaker was reading the standing otiders when he was interrupted by Mr Wood. He ordered the Sergeant -a t-Arxrss and messengers to remove Mr Wood who resisted. Several Oppositionists assisted in preventing the ejectment. During the melee, books and papers wer e hurled towards the Speaker. Suddenly three or four police appeared on the scene and after a violent struggle removed Mr Wood. In Quick succession the Speaker ordered the removal of Messrs Cohen, Fitzpatrick, Price, Perry, Maxham and Levy. Mr Perry made a rush for the table and seized a water bottle but the police hustled him out. The others went quietly. There was intense excitement while the ejections were proceeding.

AN INTERESTED AUDIENCE

(Reoe.ved Sept. 20, 1.10 a.m.)< SYDNEY, Sept. 20. While the scenes in the Assembly were in progress, the crowded galleries clapped and cheered vociferously.

THE ASSEMBLY PEACEFUL

(Received Sept. 20, 12.35 a.m.) SYDNEY, Sept. 20. After the expulsions, the Assembly settled down and the business proceedings were peaceful.

ASTONISHED MEMBERS

WILLIS AS TYRANT

(Received Sept. 20, 11.4 a.m.) SYDNEY, Wednesday. Most of the e.ected members express astonishment at tie Speaker s action of having them forcibly removed. They escribe Willis as a tyrant. The Government; supporters remained "quiet throughout the turmoil. Thei Liberal League throughout the country is passing motions condemning Mr Willis for taking the Speakership.