HECKLING A MEMBER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2143, 27 July 1907, Page 1

HECKLING A MEMBER.

PAR LI A MENT A T PLA Y

MR. McTCENZIE’S NOXIOUS WEEDS BILL.

Who does not remember the comedy Parliament was treated to last vear when the Noxious Weeds Act was in committee? The measure, which was so roughly handled on that occasion, was called on in committee recently. Nothing daunted, Mr. McKenzie boldly advanced to pilot the Bill through. .Mr; Flat-man occupied the chair.

At tlie outset Mr. Witty demanded an assurance that Canterbury should he. excluded from the operation of the Act. Mr. Wilford announced that he wished the Hutt electorate excluded from the provisions of the Bill. Mr. Symes (Pntea), amidst subdued laughter, made a similar request for his electorate-.

Mr. McKenzie raised a point of order, and when lie resumed his seat Mr Wilford proceeded: “As I was about to say, Mr. Chairman, before the lion, gentleman went off halfpop ”

Mr. Flat-man rose with all the dig--11 itv lie could muster, and called upon the member for Hutt to withdraw. “I will,” said Mr. Wilford with a fine display of seriousness, “and I w: 1 1 substitute ‘full-cock.’ ” The House scouted fun and laughed heartily. “You will-withdraw that also,” said Mr. Fla tma 11. ' “I had better withdraw the first one first,” retorted Mr. Wilford. “1 hav. pleasure in withdrawing both charges 1” When the laughter had subsided, Mr Wilford proceeded to entertain members with quantities of grammar, nu i Air. C. M. Gray also took a hand. The latter moved that progiess bo reported; it was plain membe,is were, not inclined to work.

Mr. Flatman pulled up the member for Christchurch North with a sudden jerk. “You can’t discuss that,” lie authoritatively declared.

Mr. Gray subsided, and Mr. McKenzie intervened with some remarks which were not audible in the press gallery. There was something about “111-.- ignorance which the electors of the Hutt displayed in their choice of a representative,” and something about “a disgrace to the country.” Mr. Wilford interposed that the lion, member was trying to explain “how ho got in.” More points of order followed, and M .-. Gray asked if Mr. McKenzie was in order in raising a point of order on another point of order. The chaos was dispelled after a time, and Mr. Wilford moved an amendment which would have the effect of confining the operation of tlio Bill to Nelson province only.

Mr. McKenzie defended his Bill from such unwarrantable limitation. Was the amendment in order ?„ ho asked.

After consulting the standing orders the Acting-Chairman, announce 1 that Mr. Wilford was out of order, and the member for Hutt succeeded, by 3o votes to 21, in getting the House to take the speaker’s ruling on Mr. Flatman’s ruling. The Speaker decided against the Deputy-Chairman, and Mr. Wilford’s amendment was subsequently agreed to by 31 votes to 27. Mr. McKenzie now recognised the hopelessness of bis fight and promptly moved to report progress. The Minister for Lands helped to soothe liis injured feelings by announcing that the Government would deal with the. whole question of noxious weeds this session. The House agreed, to report progress, and the “business of the country” was proceeded with.