SCENE IN THE TASMANIAN PARLIAMENT.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 104, 30 September 1874, Page 3

SCENE IN THE TASMANIAN PARLIAMENT.

The Ilohart Town Mercury gives the following report of a scene which took place in the House of Assembly lately. The scene arose during a discussion on a question of privilege respecting which Mr Meredith had given notice of motion. The Government were opposed to it, and, after some remarks by the Attorney-General, the discussion proceeded as follows: Mr Meredith: My notice of motion stands on the papers of the House, and when it comes on for discussion you may depend upon it I’ll bring you (looking towards Ministers) to book. Mr Douglas: It will need to be a big book. An altercation at once commenced, the first of which was with difficulty heard in the reporter’s gallery; when Mr Meredith, rising excitedly from his seat, went across the floor to the table at which Mr Douglas was writing, and raising his'liand, as if to catch the sound, said: Wliat did you say, sir? Mr Douglas; ’Twill need to be a big book to hold all the stuff you say. Some more sotto face conversation took place, when Mr Meredith said; I suppose you would like to give me a slap in the face, as yon did Gregson. Mr Douglas: I’ll treat you, or anyone else who insults me, as they deserve. Mr Meredith (advancing again to the table from which he had retreated): If I had you outside I would give you a smash in the face. Ms Douglas : No, you would not. The Speaker, amid cries of * Order,’ called on Mr Meredith to resume his seat. Mr Meredith: You’ll find you haven’t an old man to deal with. The Speaker: Mr Meredith will please take his scat. Mr Meredith : I’ll give you something you’ll remember. Mr Douglas ; You dare not say that outside. Mr Meredith ; I will. Mr Douglas ; Well then, come out. Mr Meredith (resuming his '‘seat) : Who are you ?—a pettifogging lawyer ! Mr Douglas : And you ? You live on the public. Mr Lotte said something, which was inaudible in the confusion of the moment, the cries of ‘ Order ’ and hubbub caused by the altercation" rendering portions of what was said unintelligible. The House then proceeded with the orders of the day.