A LOST MAJORITY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1215, 25 August 1911, Page 5

A LOST MAJORITY.

THE NEW SOUTH WALES TANGLE,

EXCITED MEMBER FALLS DOWN STAIRS. ( NEEDED VOTE GONE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. August 21, 9.30 p.m.) Sydney, August 21. Tho political situation in tho State Parliament underwent a further complication to-day. Despito the determined protest by the Opposition, Mr. Willis, a Liberal member, was elected Speaker, giving tho Government a majority of one. Later in the day a curious accident befell a Labour member, necessitating his removal to the hospital, and tho Government majority again disappeared. ■Remarkable Scene, A. remarkable sceno took place in tho House after Mr. Willis was installed in tho chair. Members of the Opposition claimed that they had been tricked, and violent and continued uproar prevailed for a considerable time. Jinny members were apparently spoiling for a fight,' and in several instances only the intervention of others prevented them from coming to blows. Ono member had to bo forcibly dragged from tha Chamber to keep him from inflicting bodily harm on an opponent,-

Opposition Surprised,

Tho actual election was peculiar. A Ministerialist had concluded his speech when a member on fnch side of tho House jnmped up. The Cleric pointed to the Labour member, who, instead of commencing his speech, advanced to the table and poured out a glass of water.

Mr. Willis's mover and seconder tkerenpon hurried him forward and. installed him in the chair amid loud protests from tho Opposition, and the shouts of an Oppositionist, who had risen, that he intended to make another nomination. "Too Late!" , This was greeted with cries of "Too late!" Sir. Holman subsequently explained that as there was only ono nomination no division was required. They had thought that the debate had terminated, and so had called upon -Mr." Willis. The prrf eeedings were strictly legal. Tho Opposition had defeated themselves by neglecting to nominate y second man. The House, after sitting all night, then adjourned at 8 a.m.

When Mr. Willis was introduced as Speaker after the adjournment the Opposition remained seated,.and greeted Mr. Willis with shouts of "There is no Speaker!"

Theso cries were repeated when members wcro invited to proceed to Government Houso to present the new Speaker to the Governor.

"There is No Speaker!"

Tho Opposition remained in the Douse while this ceremony was performed, and also declined to attend in the Legislative Council to hear tha Lioutcnant-Govemor read the Speech, again repeating their cries of "There is no Speaker!" Tho Governor's Speech was short, and simply indicated that tho Electoral. Law Amendment Act would be restored to the business paper, and finally dealt with; also that Publio Works proposals. and such other business of an urgent character as was necessary would be brought , Jorward.

Returning to tho Assembly, the Speaker immediately adjourned the House at i o'clock, in spite of further turbulent opposition by the Liberals.

A Lively Scene. Mr. Holmnn declares that tho Government is determined to stand or fall by Mr. Willis's election, and is not prepared to entertain any overtures for the alteration of the decision.' Mr. Willis on his reappearance was grectod with cries of "Traitor!" "Judas Iscartot!" and many similar compliments, and was asked if ho had informed tho Lieu tenant-Governor of tho trick by which he got his seat. On reassembling after tea, Mr. Dunn, the new Labour member for Mudgee, and Mr. Perry, the new Liberal member for Liverpool Plains, took their seats. Trouble immediately began again when Mr. Cohon, on a question of privilege, complained that Mr. Willis's election was irregular. Ho was addressing tho House when Mr. Willis was inducted in the chair. Mr. Cohen gavo notice of motion for Tuesday dissenting with Mr. Willis's action in leaving tho chair before tho motion was put. An Unfortunate Slide. Mr. Mcehan, a Labour member, in an exuberance of spirits at tho victory-of his party, was sliding down tho bannister of tho stairs, when ho overbalanced and fell on a x packing-case, fracturing his pelvis and sustaining concussion of tho brain. He was removed to tho hospital in an unconscious condition. vlt is now doubtful if the Opposition will grant him a pair. If not, it will mean that Mr. "Willis will have to exercise his casting voto in any discussions.

ANOTHER LIVELY SITTING. ALLEGED BREACH OF PRIVILEGE. (Roc. Augnst 21, 0.15 a.m.) Sydney, August 21. The sitting of the Assembly to-night was extremely. lively, though less rowdy than the earlier sitting. • Mr. Cohen constantly interrupted, and was frequently called to order. Ho concluded by moving that tho action of tho Clerk in preventing him from addressing the Houso on tho election of the Speaker, when ho was in tho act of proposing another candidate, was a gross broach of privilege.

Other members also attacked tho Government over Mr. Willis's election, and tho manner in which tho debate was conducted.

Tho Eouse then adjourned until Tuesday.

Tho Legislative Council passed the Address-in-Reply on tho voices.