A SAD EXHIBITION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2156, 12 August 1907, Page 2

A SAD EXHIBITION.

MR. McLACHLAN, M.H.R., CREATES A PAINFUL SCENE IN THE HOUSE.

Special to Times.

WELLINGTON, August 10. At twenty minutes past 12 to-night, while the Estimates were being discussed, the lion, member for Ashburton created a diversion bv taking off liis boats and placing them on the table in front of his seat. He then stretched himself full length on the bench. Presently a messenger appeared. and removing the boots from the table placed them on the floor. Mr. McLachlan, however, roused himself from liis recumbent attitude, took the boots in his hand, and dumped them down once more on the table. Mr. Wilford rose to a point of order. “Was the member for Ashburton.” lie asked, “entitled to discuss boots except on the tariff question?” Mr. Barclay,'who vita’s in the chair, said he did not bear any remark from the member for Ashburton. He asked Mr. Wilford not to interfere needlessly. Mr. McLachlan, in his stockinged feet, rose to speak, but the Chairman ordered him to resume his seat. -

Mr. McLachlan: “I will, I will, but I'll rise again.” Mr. McLachlan, who rose shortly afterwards, explained that he had not intended to show any disrespect to the House by taking off bis boots. He had only removed liis footgear in order to ensure greater bodily comfort. “I do not know what subject is under discussion,” lie saidj “as I have been asleep, but in all cases my vote will be given in a calm and deliberative manner.”