SPEAKER & PRESS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1534, 2 September 1912, Page 5

SPEAKER & PRESS.

THE N S.W. SENSATION,

PASSED THE LIMITWHAT DOES PARLIAMENT MEAN TO DO? By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright Sydney, August 31. The action of the Speaker of tho Legislative Assembly (Mr. Willis) in excluding tho "Daily Telegraph's" reporters from the House is absorbing attention. It is tho almost unanimous opinion of press and public that the Speaker's last move passed tho limit, and that if the Government persists in upholding his action it will find trouble.

Mr. M'Gowen (the Premier), after last night's Cabinet meeting, informed press interviewers that tho matter had been discussed, but that Tie was not. prepared to say anything. Perhaps* he would make a statement to-day. Pressed as to whether he had formed an opinion regarding the Speaker's action, he said he had reached a very decided opinion, but would not say what.

Both morning .papers publish further strong leaders of protest. The "Daily Telegraph" concludes:—"The Speaker has already successfully dictated to the Minister in charge of the Government business, and, now, like an Alexander seeking new worlds to conquer, has gone outside, and sought to play the dictator in regard to newspaper office matters. Having arrived at that reductio ad absurdum, what does Parliament mean to do?"

The "Herald""lt is notorious that under Mr. Willis Parliament gains the reputation of being the worst in the history of this State. We cannot believe that even the exigencies of party can prevent the leaders on either side coming to an agreement for a change for a remainder of the life of the present Parliament. The resources of civilisation are still equal to abating the nuisance."

The newspapers in other States add their quota to the caustic comments regarding Mr. Willis's assumed dictatorship.

Mr. R. M'Nab, ex-Minister for Lands in New Zealand, in an interview, said there was no analogy between the Willis and New Zealand cases. During his experience New Zealand had never' had such a thing suggested as endeavouring to shut out the representatives of a particular newspaper. Every case had been one of personal offence by an individual.

MR, WILLIS INTERVIEWED. THE REASONS FOR HIS ACTION. (Rec. September 2, 1.10 a.m.) Sydney, September 1. Mr. M'Gowen Tefuses to discuss the recent incident of the Speaker,(Mr. Willis). Ha will confer with Mr. Willis to-morrow. Mr. Willis, in an interview, repeated the statements contained in the memorandum. He said the "Daily Telegraph" was guilty of contempt in wilfully misrepresenting what took plaoe in the House, and incited members to disorder by commending a suspended member for his bad conduct. Asked (whether the complaint referred to actual reports or to heading articles, Mr. Willis did not reply definitely. In a second interview, ho remarked that he could only recognise the "Daily Telegraph" as one publication/ controlled by one editor. Mr: Willis declared that an assurance that writers 011 the "Telegraph" will respect the authority of Parliament should be forthcoming, failing which, the exclusion must continue.