"IS THIS COALITION?"

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2514, 15 July 1915, Page 6

"IS THIS COALITION?"

BREEZE IN THE HOUSE

LAUGHTER OUT OF SEASON

A' lively interlude occurred in tho debate on tho' Definition of Time Bill in the House of Representatives last night.: .The debate had resolved itself into a town versus country matter, tho country members opposing the Bill, and Dr. Thacker referred to farmers as "a lazy, inert mob." After lie had been taken to task rather seriously for his attack on tho farmers, he unreservedly withdrew his remark] Later Mr. Escott referred to certain aspersions upon tho farming class, and, on a point of order being raised that ho ought not to refer io a remark that had been withdrawn, 'lie said that ho was refering to a'remark made "in another quarter of the House altogether." .Sir Joseph -Ward said ho wished to make a .personal explanation. Mr.. Speaker: Has the honourable member been misrepresented? Sir Joseph AVard: I assume I may have been, sir. (Laughter and calls.) Sir Josoph Ward then remarked with some heat upon tho custom that had grown up of members on $o other side of-the House "howling," and "shoutiiK" at a member who rose to speak. Sir. ; Massey: Is this a personal explanation?.:

Sir Joseph Ward: lam speaking subject Ito the direction of' Air. Speaker alone.. Mr. Massey. (rising): Point of order, Mr. .Speaker., ; - Mr. Payne: Is'tliis coalition? (Loud; laughter, in which iboth leaders' joined.); : Mr. Massey : It may be a collision. But with reference to this point of order, Mr. Speaker. The right honourable gentleman has lectured the members on this side of the .House on rising t : o make ,a personal explanation. I object to being lectured by any member on .that side of the House or on this side of the House. . . Mr. Speaker:. What is the point of order? • . ■.• :■ Mr.. Massey: The point of order is that the right honourable gentleman got up to make a personal explanation, and ho was- not making anything in the nature of a, personal explanation. Sir ■_ Joseph Ward : I directed your attention, Mr. Speaker, to. what "was happening when' I .roso to speak, and I did so iii a perfectly respectful way. 1 was. confronted by a roar, of laughter —not by the Prime Minister—but ! was confronted By what i» customary from that.side of '.the House—a' jeer 'of laughter. . ' Mr.' Speaker, said that'much of .the unpleasantness that arose, on snch'occasions, would be avoided if an honourable member:! on rising to make a personal explanation immediately stated in what respect lie had been misrepresented.