MR. WILLIS'S RULE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1374, 27 February 1912, Page 5

MR. WILLIS'S RULE.

SCATHING INDICTMENT

NEITHER DIGNIFIED NOR JUST.

ANOTHER MEMBER EJECTED,

By Telejrapli-rrcss AESoolition-OopyrlgM (Kee. February 2ti, 11.10 p.m.)

Sydney, February 12. The first business before the legislative Asseinblv tn-iluy was Mr. l.evien's motion that the Speaker (Mr. Willis), because of his partiality to Ministerialists and unfair treatment, of the Opposition, had forfeited the confidence ol the House. The atmosphere was electric. Eeforc tlio motion was introduced, Mr. Wood asked if it would be discussed free of any restrictions by the Chair. The Speaker asked Mr. AYood to withdraw tlio question, and to apologise. Mr. Wood disclaimed any intention of personal ofl'ensiveness. Tlio Speaker held that (lie matter was not a question of personal offence, but of offence to the Rouse. Mr. Wood still declined to withdraw, and was removed by the Speaker's order. Tlio Opposition showed strong resentment, and tlio Speaker cautioned two other members. Mr. Levien, in moving bis motion, took exceiftion to tlio manner of Mr. "Willis's appointment. Ho did not think any Government in this or any other country could show a Chair occupied tinder similar circumstances. Ho (Mr. Levie.il), an Independent, bad been offered, and had refused the Chair, but Mr. Willis, a Liberal, had accepted under conditions which made his occupancy a matter for sorrow. Mr. Willis bad not occupied tlio chair with the dignity necessary to the position. Three essentials were impartiality, fairness, and common justice, and Mr. Willis bad been neither impartial, fair, nor just. ( (Eec, February 27, 0.55 a.m.) Sydney, February 2G. It is expected that a division will be taken on Mr. Lcvicn's motion late tonight. The defeat of the motion by a narrow margin is anticipated.