ROWDYISM IN PARLIAMENT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1374, 19 October 1886, Page 2

ROWDYISM IN PARLIAMENT.

Under date Sydney October 11, the following is wired to the Press: —Daring the last week there was a series of long Parliamentary sittings, and some very vjolent scones recurred on Wednesday. At a late hour Sir Patrick Jennings, the Premier, delivered a statement regarding the finances of the c ilony, in which be admitted that at the end of the year there would be a defio : eaoy of two millions. Sir Henry Parlres, leader of the Opposition, followed him with a vigorous speech, declaring that the Government ware in a discreditable position and the colony sunk into an abyss of humiliation and degradation. The Estimates were then proceeded with, the Government refusing to adjourn, and in the morning hours Sir Henry Parkes disturbed the serenity by declaring that business of the utmost importance waa b-ought in by the Government at the dead hours of the night by slovenly, culpable, and unpardonable neglect—a neglect which result d fr m a cruel Ministry trying to govern the country by brutal means. Ho was asked to withdraw the words, but arid they were within hU ri.ht. Mr Wisdom, ex-Attorney-Genera l , next came upon the scene, asserting that the p'-ocoedmgs were the most miserable, contemptible and petty of which an arrogant majority would be

capable and that the Ministry was the most brutish he had ever seen. On the motion of Sir P. Jennings these words were taken down and declared on the voices of the House to be disorderly. Mr Wisdom, in making an explanation, stid that he had u-ed the word “ brutish ” as meaning that those to whom It was applied were like brutes—sensual, stupid, and unfeeling. This defiant conduct was met by a motion by the Premier to the effect that Mr Wisdom having wilfully and vexatiously interrupted the orderly conduct of the business should be taken into custody by the Sergeant-at-Arms The motion was carried by a large majority and Mr Wisdom was remefved, after a short struggle with the Sergeant and the other officers who were called upon to assist The House continued sitting till five o’clock next day, when a motlcn for Mr Wisdom’s release was carried, but during the interval members we-e in a very excited state and several heated discussions t ook place. The Government were called a set of laughing jackasses, were told they were acting in a pitiable, abominable, and despicable way, and also called laughing giggling, idiotic grinnera. On Friday there was again a long and excited sitting, and early on Saturday morning whilst a discussion on the Divorce Extension Bill was proceeding, an altercation took place in one of the ante rooms between Mr Lysaght member for Illawara, and Mr Qibbcs. one of the members for Newton, daring which the latter is alleged to have called Mr Lysaght a “ liar.” Mr Lysaght attempted to strike Mr Gibbea once, bat was prevented by several bystanders A few minntes later they met in a room between the Chamber and the Opposition room, when the altercation was renewed, and Mr Lysaght struck Mr Gibbea a blow on (the cheek which felled him to the floor. Mr Gihbes got up but he did not attempt to return the blow. Ha then walked into the Chamber with hia hat on and, addressing the Chairman of Committees, he said, •• I have been atrnck by a member who ought never to have been elected.” It happened, however, that this was just as a cunt out was effected, and the Chairman of Committees could not take notice of the cjmplant As there was no House, the Speaker having decided there was no quorum, (be matter fall through.