ON THE CASTING VOTE

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1375, 28 February 1912, Page 6

ON THE CASTING VOTE

THE NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION DEFEATED

HEDGES

EXCITING MOMENTS IN PARLIAMENT

THE CONCLUDING SPEECHES

The long and tiresome delays of tho last few days in Parliament came nuddenly to a termination last night, when tho -House of Representatives proceeded to a division upon which hinged tho fate of tho present Government. At five, minutes to midnight, when Mr. Buddo concluded a speech which had lasted for. a quarter of an hour, the aspect of tho Houso was 'languid and restful. There were about twenty-five members in the Chamber, and many of them wore reclining upon their benches. Spectators, however, were fairly numor'ous around the floor, and in tho galleries. Matters remained quiet as Mr. Sneaker roso and put the no-confidence motion—Mr. Massay's amendment to tho Addrcss-in-Eeply-'ln conclusion, wo deem it our duty to represent to your Excellency that your Excellency's- Advisers do not possess the'confidence of tho House." Tho Opposition responded with a light, chorus of "Ayes," and the Ministerialists with a louder volume of "Noes." Members came trooping in as the division bell commenced to ring, and in two minutes after Mr. •Buddo had concluded his speech tho House was full, every member being present save Mr. Wilford, who is in England. The galleries filled in a surprising way, and wero quickly crammed to their utmost capacity. The number of strangers around the floor also increased. When Mr. Speaker put the question for tho second time, there was a hearty response from each side of the House. Mr. Fisher, seeing a .number of Grangers crowding round tho door .of the . "Ayes" lobby, suggested that tho lobbies'* should be cleared. Mr. Speaker ordered, that it should be done, but strangers remained congregated about the door of. the lobby and formed>a lane' through which members passed as. they entered. Tho whole of the proceedings were very quiet and orderly. One incident- that attracted a little-notice was the failure of a new member, Mr. Bradney, to vote at the proper time. He went up to the table and voted. ; .ju'st:bef6rc the lists were handed up to .the Speaker. Theresult of.the.division .was••very quietly received. Members mado no audiblo demonstration of their, feelings, but a little faint applause rose from strangers; at'tho Government sido of the House. General good-humour and a perceptible' easing of the tension which has been a dominant feature of late, prevailed during the remaining proceedings. '•'. -liiimediately <after. the division members trooped into the lobbies, where handshakings', and; congratulations were heartily bestowed upon the Prime Minister-and tho'Leader of the Opposition by their fellow members and friends.: Lady Ward and Miss Ward, who'were present, shared in ths .congratulations. Some of the Maori members executed a haka at tho door of Sir James Carroll's office.