MR FISHER AND LAWN TENNIS

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14835, 28 November 1913, Page 8

MR FISHER AND LAWN TENNIS

A DEPLORABLE DEBATE. (special to "thb press.") WELLINGTON, November 27. A full Parliamentary hour was occupied this afternoon in a party discussion (which was neither creditable uor illuminating, upon the much-vexed question of Ministerial expenses. Mr Russell Jed the attack in this debate, arid fiercely assailed the Government in a comparison of t"he expenses of the two sets oi: Ministers. Upon Mr Fisher Mr Russell especially poured out the vials of his wrath, because he "headed the list." This, asserted Mr Russell, was because for a large part of hia time in the recess he was engaged in playing in tennis tournaments up and down the country. r, 'The public," he said, "could see what the social purity of these hon. gentlemen was, and how much they_ were justified in hurling at the Opposition side of the House the expenses incurred by the Mackenzie Government."

Mr Fisher dealt in easy and debonaire fashion with Mr Russell. "I rise," he said, "to deal with some of the gaeogeno which has come from the Opposition." (Loud Government laughter.) "Is that in order, Mr Speaker," queried Mr Russell, half doubtingly. "I. don't apply it to Mr Russell," said Mr Fisher, "but to his speech ,be-> cause it is full of bubble and froth. If you think, Mr Speaker, I had better withdraw the word gasogene, I will do bo." '

"I think you had better," said the Speaker, and Mr Fisher acquiesced. "Now, to deal with tennis," he continued. "Mr Russell asserted that a good deal of my money was paid to mc while playing Jawn tennis. Mr Russell: No, I didn't. Government members: Yes, you did. "I want to make-it perfectly clear," continued Mr Fisher, "that during the time I accompanied the British Davis Cup team through New Zealand I never drew a penny ; in fact, 1 forfeited tho sum of £47 which I might have drawn, and I feel gratified now that I did so." (Opposition laughter.)