Lively Commons.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 22 November 1912, Page 2

Lively Commons.

APOLOGY TO MR CH'I'RCIIILL. (Sydney Sun Cablegram,). LONDON, November 11. The House of Commons to-day was crowded, and (i() members could find seats only in the side public galleries. Ministers looked gloomy, but the Opposition members were radiant. Mr "Winston Churchill was pale, and Mr Ll<>yd-(!eorge tragic. Mr Asquith was loudly cheered by his followers, but no demonstration came from the other side of the House. The Conservatives were absolutely silent. There was continual conversation throughout question time, and the Prime Minister had a long talk with' tho Speaker. After the questions had been disposed of, Mr M'NVil, who, at the previous sitting, hurled a book at Mr Churchill rose in response to a r "ill from tho Speaker and said that he desired to make a personal explantation. Fnder the influence of a momentary loss of self control, and in tho heat of passion, he threw amissile, which struck the First Lord of the Admiralty. lie thoroughly regretted his action, and when his passion had passed he returned to tho House and tried to find Mr Churchill to apologise to him and to tho House, hut was unable to do so in the full assembly. But now he would express a full and unreserved apology. Mr Churchill assured him that he had never had any personal feeling in the matter at all, and if lie had had-Mr M'Neil's obseiTations would have effectually removed it. Lord Winterton put a question of privilege. He directed attention to a passago in the Daily Chronicle, wliicli said that tho Tories had come back from dinner "blown witli insolence .and wine." He asked the Speaker whether this did not constitute a. falsehood and a. foul slander.

Mr .Speaker expressed dissent from tho Article. ' "Everybody present know, he remarked, that it was both inaccurate and untrue.

After a pause the Speaker said: It is unusual for tlio Speaker to intervene, hut T don't think that anybody in the House wishes for a reIKitition of yesterday's scene. I would humbly suggest that before the discussion is renewedi the House should take further time for consideration, and that those charged with the duty of admitting the proposals to overcome the difficulties created should have time for consultation and preparation. As moderator of tho House," it is my desire, while maintaining the rights of tho majority, imultaneouslv to act as protector of privileges."

Mr Asquith said that the request was a somewhat unusual one, hut he did not think that anyone was disposed to dispute it. He was prepared to accept the suggestion on hehalf of the Government, and therefore moved that the House adjourn until Monday. The Leader of the Opposition expressed concurrence with this course, and congratulated the Speaker upon the action he had taken. The niotion was then put, ahd, having been carried, ike House qdjourned.