THE BUFFOON IN PARLIAMENT.

White Ribbon, Volume 24, Issue 282, 18 December 1918, Page 6

THE BUFFOON IN PARLIAMENT.

In his address to ParliaimM upon Mr Mi Comb’s amendment to the Legislative Council Amendment Act, Sir Joseph Ward descended to a type of oratory that was quite out of keeping with th«* dignitv of his position, and not in accord with the importance of the subjei t. We quote the following from a morning contemnoran : “Sir Joseph Ward said that he did not contest the Speaker’s ruling. He thought that a number of women ought to be put into the Legislative Count il. Why, they could not hr worse than some of the members of that branch of the Legislature.” (Loud and long-continued laughter.) lie entirely withdrew the soft impeachment. (Laughter.) He understood that the Legislative Councillors wen* anxious to have associated xvith them representatives of the women of the country. (Laughter.) Mr Pee; Not over thirty. (Laughter.) Sir Joseph Ward said that there ►seemed to be* a difference of opinion on that point. One Councillor, he understood, xxanted it both xxays. (Laughtei.) For his part, he would be glad to see some amiable lady contesting Ins seat with him. It would be mu'li nicer than lighting some hard faied man. (Laughter.) But lie would noi be abh to reply to ir:ti- • ism* m kind (Laughter.) Fancy the honourable member for I'iinaru (Mr Craigie) (laughter) or the lion, member for Westport f\li Colvin) - (laughtei) going round his electorate with a lady candidate. ll'* xxas sure that each of th»*m xxoulil withdraw in the lady’s favour before the election was half over; and so would he. (Laughter.) We hope that the dax is not very far distant xxlien some “brainy woman” xxall contest Sir Joseph's seat xxith h m, and win it.