Stormy Politics

Horowhenua Chronicle, 20 September 1911, Page 3

Stormy Politics

scenes' ijst new south wales ASSEMBLY. OPPOSITIONISTS RUN AMOK. .BY ELBUTKiO TKLIGKAi'B--COPYBI«Ht.J [fIB PBBBB ABBOCUTIOS.J SYDNEY. September 19. An extraordinary seen© of disorder occurred in the Assembly. Mr Storey called the Premier's attention -to the fact that the Speaker, Air Willis, when addressing meetings of 'his constituents, _ oalled the members of the Opposition a "band of ruffians." He (Mr Storey) asked the Premier to ascertain if the statement was made and' if so to protect the honour of members. The Speaker ruled the question out of order on the ground that he could not take cognisance of what appeared in the press. Members of the Opposition persisted, but both Ulic Speaker and the Premier declined to answer. Mr Cohen rose and repeated: the query, and the Speaker repeatedly cautioned him. eventually ordering the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove Mr Cohen. Oppositionists surrounded Mr Cohen, and refused to allow him to retire, resisting the Sergeant -at - Arms and the messengers who came to .his assistance. There was unprecedented uproar. Several Ministers and tho Speaker vacated their chairs and left the Chamber. The Oppositionists mounted the dais and flung the Speaker's papers after him. Eventually seven members were removed forcibly by several .policemen who had been called in. " A TYRANT." (Reoeived This Day, 11.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. Most of the ejected members express astonishment at the Speaker's action in having them forcibly removed. They describe Mr Willis as a tvrant. Government supporters remained q'liot throughout the turmoil. Liberal leagues_ throughout the country are passing motions condemning Mr Willis for taking the Speakership.