SCENE IN THE HOUSE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2297, 3 November 1914, Page 5

SCENE IN THE HOUSE

. During the debate on the Coal-Mines Bill several accusations or insinuations were made against the Government that they were in some way to blame fop the death of the 43 men who lost .their lives in the Huntly disaster. Shortly before 2 a.m., Mr. John Payne,'merabert for Grey Lynn, repeating the accusations, used frequently the _ word "murder." Knally Mr. Payne'associated the word andvthe charge with the • Minister of Labour (Mr. Massey). He used these words,, "Tho people who are rosppnsiblo for the murder of these men lire not the • owners -of the mines alone." . . . They include the Minister of Labour— , • ■ , Mr. Speaker: Tho' honourable member must withdraw those words. ' Mr. Payne: I don't withdraw, and I won't withdraw them. Mr. Speaker then named the member for Grey Lynu for disobeying the Chair, Tho Leader of tho House was called in and acquainted by Mr. Speaker of. what had happened. The Speaker stated that the ,m'ehibor for. Grey. Lynnc had spoken without any apparent heat, and had used the words without being provoked by interjections: The Prime Minister moved that, the member for Grey Lynn be suspended) for the remainder of tho sitting. Mr. Speaker, drew the Prime Minis- . ter's attention to the fact that as it' was tho honourable member's';. second offence during the session under' the Standing Orders tho suspension .could not be less than a week. He suggested, however, that the Houso might get out of the difficulty by merely censuring the hon. ■ member. Mr. Massey then moyed that thai member for Grey Lynn- bo ensured, and'after some further.disciissioii' with Mr. Speaker ho said that if the member for Grey.Lynn would withdiw and express regret ho would" not proceed with tho motion^ Tiie Sergeant-at-Arms was instructed . to inform tho member for Grey.'Lynn of tho decision of the House, and Mr;' Payno ; re-entered, tho' 'Chamber.' When asked by Mr. Speaker ;.to 'withdraw his words and express regret, lie said: "With all rospeet to . tlie Chair, and not in any way intending disrespect to tho Chair, I say that I mado certain ' statements which I refuse to withdraw." Mr.' Payno 'was directed to leave tho Chamber. v ' Mr.' Massoy, very unwillingly, "I move that tho honourable member liosuspended for the rest of tho sitting.'' Tho motion .was carried on the yoic^3„