An Offensive Remark,

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue XIX, 7 November 1903, Page 58

An Offensive Remark,

REGRETTABLE INCIDENT IN THE HOUSE. WELLINGTON, October 31. Au unpleasant incident occurred in the House about six o’clock this morning during Mr Taylor’s speech on the Licensing Bill. There were some sharp passages between Messrs. McLachlan and Rodk. McKenzie who rapped some nasty personalities across the floor one at the other, the genesis being the contradiction by Mr McKenzie of a statement made by Mr McLachlan. At the close of Mr Taylor’s remarks Mr McKenzie rose to make strong personal references to Mr McLachlan, referring particularly to his nose, which is somewhat rubicund. Mr McLachlan angrily retorted: “1 never came into the Chamber with a dirty black eye.” Matters thereafter became very warm, and the Speaker called upon the members not to make personal remarks about each other. Mr MeKenzie was continuing his references when Mr McLachlan shouted: “I never required Swnale relatives to come crying to House for me because I was drunk.” The Speaker called upon the member to withdraw. Mr McLachlan repeated the expression, and when again asked to withdraw, flatly refused. The Speaker ruled the expression unparliamentary, and named the member for disobeying the ruling of the chair. He said he would leave to the ruling of the House as to whether anything more should be done. The Premier regretted having to move: “That the member had been guilty of disorderly conduct.” The Speaker gave the member time to reconsider, but he refused, saying he was the custodian of his own honour. When given the opportunity to withdraw, Mr McLachlan began repeating the remark and when asked by several members to withdraw, emphatically refused, and saying he would take the penalty, retired from the Chamber. The Premier then proposed the motion of censure, but withdrew in favour of a motion of regret, giving the member time to recant. After a few minutes had passed Mr McLachlan returned to the Chamber, expressed deep regret at having disobeyed the riding of ihe chair, and having walked oil his temper, had cooled, and unreservedly withdrew and apologised. The ine’dent. then closed.