UNEDIFYING EPISODES.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18619, 23 April 1932, Page 5

UNEDIFYING EPISODES.

STAGED IN THE HOUSE.

PERSONALITIES AND ABUSE. LEGISLATORS’ FRAYED TEMPERS. (Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, Friday. During tne prolonged sitling in the House of Representatives the tempers of members evidently became frayed, and some very unedifying episodes took place.

Refusal to Apologise,

On tiie proposal to reduce the old age pensions Mr J. Ilargest (Government —Invercargill) expressed regret at the extravagant statements being made by Labour members, and referred particularly to Mr Semple’s speech. “ I will support the members of the Labour Party in this measure and make no apologies for it,” he said, “ but I feel almost apologetic for going into the same lobby as members who indulge in sucli extravagant language.” Mr C. Carr (Labour —Timaru), with heat: We don’t want you.

Mr Ilargest suggested that the members of the Labour Party were indulging in parrot cries and not expressing serious convictions. He appealed for the debate to be lifted to a loftier tone.

Mr J. A. Lee (Labour —Grey Lynn) interrupted, and Mr Carr, referring to Mr Ilargest, said “ He’s a jumpedup whipper-snapper.” Mr Ilargest: A pdint of order, Mr Chairman. I object to that statement. I have been called a jumped-up whipper-snapper. Mr Chairman (to Mr Carr): Did the lion, member use that term? Mr Carr: I withdraw the term. Mr Chairman: I think the hon. gentleman should apologise, too. Mr Carr: No, I won’t apologise.

Mr E. J. Howard (Labour —Christchurch South): What does the term mean, anyhow? Mr Carr: I express regret for saying in the heat of the moment what the Standing Orders prevent me from saying. Mr Ilargest: I ‘have no apology to make. I obey the dictates of my conscience. I make no apology to anybody for the stand I take in the House. I stand for justice for the individual, no matter of what class of society he Is, but I do object to personalities being thrown across the floor of the House. I almost apologise for being associated with men who make utterances of a personal nature which are most uncalled for. Passed Unchecked. On another occasion Mr H. G. Dickie (Government —Patea), who is a returned soldier, said he regretted that it was deemed essential to curtail war pensions, but it had to be remembered that New Zealand had been fairly liberal in its pension payments. “It is all very well for Labour speakers to object, but there are some men on those benches who did not do their duties as civilians during the war and who were openly seditious,” said Mr Dickie.

The Chairman of Committees, Mr S. G. Smith: Order. Mr R. Semple (Labour —Wellington East), to Mr Dickie: You’re a liar! The latter remark passed unchecked and after a brief pause, Mr Dickie resumed his speech. A minute or so later, Mr Semple again interjected: Will you address a meeting of returned soldiers in Wellington and tell them what you are telling the House now?” The Hon. A. D. McLeod (Government —Wairarapa), to Mr Semple: You ought to he ashamed to address them, anyway. Mr J. O'Brien (Labour —Westland) declared that what Mr Dickie called sedition at the time of the war was merely telling people what the hon. gentleman and his friends would do to them after the war. “ Get Back to the Cave.” Mr T. Makitanara (Government — Southern Maori), speaking at one stage, said the Labour Party overlooked the serious financial position of the country. Mr Semple: Get back to the cave. The Chairman of Committees: Order! Order 1

Mr Semple: I don’t want a lecture from a savage. The member for Wellington East was again called to order.