AN AMUSING STORY.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 16, Issue 864, 12 November 1870, Page 3

AN AMUSING STORY.

An amusing story is told regarding some late occurrences in the Parliament of New South Wales :—A motion of confidence was brought forward, and the debate raged fiercely for several days. Parties were nearly balanced, and the Government wished for a division, but their attempts to force it were unavailing. They then made up their mind to tire their opponents out; and on a motion for adj. urnment an amendment to adjourn the debate for six months was made. This being unsuccessful, was followed by a motion that the Government do resign that day six mouths; and on that, one oi the Ministerial party, after speaking for tfrree (and a palf hours, announced that he bad just commenced the preface to his speech. With a few minutes interval for }he accommodation of the sneaker,

this gentleman spoke for eight Hours and a half. The night passed away, and the forenoon also, and still the debate went on, until at last the Speaker raised the important question of what Would happen if the House did not adjourn before the usual hour of meeting that day—whether, in fact, the sitting would be yesterday's or to-day's. This he professed himself unable to determine, as May contained no precedent. Fortunately some agreement was come to before the doubtful moment was reached. One of the Government supporters had fixed that day for his wedding, and of course had to go. The Opposition knowing this would not give him a pair, and at last he was fairly walked out of the House 1 by his groomsman, who was also a Government member. On this the Government declared that they would uot resign on an adverse vote under such circumstances, and then the Opposition gave in; the division took place, and the Government had a majority of two.