MR. WILLIS'S REIGN

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1605, 23 November 1912, Page 5

MR. WILLIS'S REIGN

OPPOSITION MOTION. WANT OF CONFIDENCE TO BE MOVED. A DIFFICULT POSITION. By Teleeraph—Press Association—Copyright (Bee. November 22, 9.30 p.m.) Sydney, Novomber 22. In the Legislative Assembly Mr. Wood, i Acting-Leader of the Opposition, asked Air. M'Gowen to-day what he intended to do to remedy the position arising in view of tho Speaker's statement that he virtually controlled tho business of the House under the Standing Orders. Mr. M'Gowen said he realised that the Governnient were in a very difficult position, but they were prepared to take action to protect the business of tho House if tho necessity arose. Mr. Wood then gave notioe of a motion, setting out that the House reaffirms its right to make and control through its members the business of the House, and that in view of the Speaker's declaration, Mr. Willis no longer possesses the confidence of the House. Tho motion will- bo discussed on Monday. CRISIS DENIED. STRONG NEWSPAPER COMMENT. Sydney, November 22. Cabinet meets this morning to discus 9 the position arising out of the Government's action in regard to Mr. Willis, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. In view of statements by Messrs. Hoi-, man and, Griffith (two of the Ministers) that there is no crisis, only a difference of opinion on the question of authority, which can be overcome in a proper, constitutional manner,' it is considered unlikely that the Government will take further action with regard to Mr. Willis. Both morning papers publish stronglyworded leading-articles on the situation, attacking the Government's supineness in allowing Mr. Willis to triumph, and premising trouble when, the electors are seized of the situation. Tlio "Herald" characterises it as a "putup job," and the "Daily Telegraph" as a complete sacrifice of dignity and prestige. AN UNREPENTANT. SPEAKER. HIS RULINGS MUST BE OBEYED. Sydney, November 22. In the course of his speech in the Assembly last night on Mr. M'Gowen's motion to dissent from the Speaker's ruling, Mr. Levien was interrupted by the Speaker, who pointed out that h& was inciting his friends to perform physical.violence upon the Speaker, and that he was quite liable to be taken clean away to the lockup. Mr. Levien replied that he would be delighted, as then he would be as big a martyr as Mr. Willis himself, and as notorious in public life. Mr. Wood, Acting-Leader of tho Opposition, in announcing that the Opposition would support the Government, no matter what personal or party interests were involved, said the Opposition'would ever be found supporting the Leader of the House in. asserting the rights of the. House. Mr. Willis, in the course of his'reply, declined to be judged by the standard of his friends. Ho had consulted an authority—the gentleman who moved % the last vote of dissent,in. the House of Commons, a man standing in the very forefront of gentlemen, the leader of. the Nationalist party in the Commons—who had said that, whether it was right or wrong the decision of the Chair must be obeyed. Mr. Willis added that he was prepared to go that day, but he would uphold the traditions of his position so long as he was there. Mr. M'Gowen, in a subsequent speech, pointed out that. the Government, on many occasions had made allowances for Mr. Willis's fallibility, and had loyally backed him; but he considered the Speaker had made a mistake in Mr. Moxham's case. He added: "If the Governfnent is not going to rule the House the sooner it gets away from the House the better." - To a cry of ."Resign!" Mr. M'Gowen replied that he would do business in his own way, "because no men who havegraduated like us, in the sohools of hardships and tribulation fear the consequences when we do what we believe to be the right. - We just take the consequences." At the same time, ho assured the Speaker that the Government would refuse to carry on legislation, or pass Supply unless as leaders of the House. To this Mr. Willis replied that lie wished the Premier to know that when he 6aid he would govern the House he would have to change the Standing Orders, "if he wishes to govern me, because I am protected by the House under the Standing Orders. What I did last night I feel it my duty to do again any day under similar circumstances." Prior to the debate, Mr. Willis asked that Mr. Moxham bo brought to the Bar of the House, but Mr. Moxham declined to oome. After the vote had been taken, Mr. Moxham re-entered the Chamber, amidst cheers.