COLLAPSE OF CENSURE DEBATE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1901, 8 November 1913, Page 5

COLLAPSE OF CENSURE DEBATE.

STORMY SCENES IN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT.

INSULT TO THE SPEAKER. • Dy Teletrapli—Pi'-osj Aosooliitian—Copyright Melbourne, November 7. Prior to the moving of Mr. Fisher's want of confidence motion (cabled yesterday), Mr. Thomas (ex-Minister for Externnl Affairs) moved: 1 'That, in \*iow of tho Speaker voting for tho closure of the debate when his right to vote was being discussed, he has lost the esteem, respect, and confidence of this House." Mr. Cook protested against this insult to tho Speaker, and the last-named ruled tho motion out of order. Mr. Thomas thereupon gavo notice for to-day. Tho Senator, pending the want of con* fidence debate in the House, has adjourned until November 19. (Reo. November 7, 9.60 p.m.) Melbourne, November 7. The no-confidence debate has "fizzled out" in a remarkable manner. After Mr. Fisher (Leader of the Opposition), Mr. Cook (the Prime Minister), and Mr. Hughes (Opposition) had spoSen, Mr. C-ook claimed that the question was an ordinary notice of motion, discussion of which must bo adjourned at the end of two hours' debate. The Speaker upheld tho point, and tijera were several stormy scenes. Mr. Oook stated subsequently that the motion must now disappear from tho business paper of the House—the Government, would treat it frith contempt—because Sir. Fisher had not raised any,now matter in his speech, The debate was "closured" by 24 rates to 12.