PARLIAMENT

Horowhenua Chronicle, 22 November 1913, Page 3

PARLIAMENT

THE STONEWALL?

[i'Kll L'ItESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, This Day. After the telegrapn office closed the House continued to discuss Mr Russell's proposal to dekite the word "Legislature" from the short; title of the Act. The speakers exercised great ingenuity to show reasons why tho word should, or should not, be retained, frequently running the gauntlet of the Chairman's displeasure for irrelevency, but the sitting passed off without any incident. The discussion on the amendment had lasted for 71 hours. When- Sir Joseph Ward rose just before 8 o'clock, lie suggested that in view of the fact that members desired to attend the funeral of their late colleague, Mr G. Laurenson, the House should adjourn till 2.-50 on Mondav next. Members felt it hurtful to the feelings to come back and indulge in party warfare after paying respects to the dead. If the Premier would agree to the sugges-

tion the Opposition would allow* the short title to pass without further discussion. Mr Massey, in reply, said he had his duty to the country, and would do it. Arrangements had been made to enable members to pay their respects to the memory of the late Mr Laurenson, and the House would adjourn till 2.80. If more had been necessary it would have been done. He, however, considered Sir Joseph Ward's reference to the late Mr Laurenson most improper under the circumstances, but if the Opposition would pass the next clause he would agree to adjourn till 2.•'!(). on Monday. -Hon. -Members: That is the whole bill. Mr Massey: It is not the wholebill; whatever tho consequences 1 am going to see it through. Sir Joseph Ward : So a're we. Continuing, Sir Joseph Ward said his proposal was a reasonable one, and he was-sorry that it was not accepted. He would now tight the issue right through, no matter what the consequences wen or how long it took. Mr Massey reminded Sir Joseph Ward that when the second ballot electoral bills were before the House his party protested, but did not stonewall. The Opposition were now trying, by improper means, to force the will of ttie minority on the majority. Sir Joseph Ward claimed that they were fighting for the principle of majority representation. The country had never declared it sell in favour of minority representation. All he asked for was that some, alternative for the second ballot should be given", and this had been refused. He had also asked that the question be , postponed until the electoral bill was brought down next year, when it could receive proper consideration. It was a most unusual method to tack on to a measure already passed by the other Chamber, important alterations, such as the repeal of the sectfud ballot would entail. Mr Massey admitted that the method was unusual, but claimed that the circumstances were unusual.

Sn Joseph Ward was Then proceeding to refer to numerous amendments to the bill which the ()pposition proposed to move when Mr Massey interjected: "You try it on. I can cut the Gortlian knot' when the time comes, and I will do it." Sir Joseph Ward*. You can't do it. •

Mr Massey, amidst some uproar, reiterated that he could, and he would. He further stated that three-quarters of the members were pledged to repeal the second ballot, and they would find some difficulty in explaining their present attitude. Hon. Members: We want a substitute. Mr Massey was about to continue, when Mr Ngata rose, and objected to the discussion being carried further, amidst cries of

"Crag," "Gag" from the Government benches. Sir Joseph Ward then rose to say he had no objection to Mr Massey proceeding when Tie was also objected to, and amidst much confusion Mr Massey moved that the House adjourn till 2.80. The House rose at 8.1.2 a.m.