A QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1923, Page 4

A QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE.

MU HOLLAND UP IN -ARMS. LIVELY DISCISSION IN THE HOUSE. (Lvttelton Times Correspondent). WELLINGTON. Feb 9. “Air Holland, in a characteristically hitter speech, attacked the integrity of the Speaker, and spoke generally in a strain which suggests that his augmented party will make the life c:f the new Parliament a record of violence and disorder.” This sentence in the leading columns of a Government journal formed the basis of a breach of privilege motion by thy leader of the Labour Party in tile House to-day. f l he matter was not completed, but before the debatt was adjourned there had been a display of heat which suggests that the proceedings of the new Parliament will not he devoid of excitement. Mr Holland asked members to corroborate his declaration that he made no hitter auack on Air Stntham. and that there was nothing in his speech which could lead the .House to think that the Labour party would make this , Parliament a record tor violence* and disorder. What made these- falsehoods more glaring, he continued, was the* fact that the* editor responsible was a spectator of the debate* thus described. His comment constituted a reduction on 'Parjiam.net itsell. Air Holland completed his condemnation with another reference to the leading statement viciously written which would mu he written hy any honest-minded

man. The Prime Minister, referring to the fad that the sitting was intended for the sole purpose* of passing motions ol lolence, declared: "1 think the member for .Duller is making another wry sorious mistake in tactics. He added that if ho had taken notice ot .similar incidents during his political ( a reel* lie could have wasted many days of Parliament's time. Members know the reason for the* sitting. Tilts should he honoured and no attempt made to bring up breach of privilege*. Mr Al ’Combs: Breach of privilege must come up at once, according to the standing orders. All Massey: I ba'e been lure many years and know the rub s <d the House, and I would a thousand limes ralln-i drop brunch ot privlegc Hum brim- a up on such an occasion. Air Parry Especially if it is your friends. All* Potter: Perhaps lie has no respect for the dead. Air .Massey: If speech is stiver tin-re arc times when silence is golden. Air Sullivan: Political liyproi ris\. All* Afasse.v: I tell you that if th' s breach of priviloge- ' Air Fraser: - You started in a had -|jirit. you have thrown tin* first discord.

AL* Mas.scv: I have endeavoured to thmw oil on troubled waters. (Labour laughter). ‘‘There is the laugh again." columned the Prime Minister. “I he laugh w hi*, h ini'll ns mi lit! h..“ My I raser : 11 grows in value. Tin ■!,•- a a.*; so much interrupt ion 01. Hits point that the Pimm .Minister hie! lo appeal for older. 11l tin lull which followed Mr Speaker's interposition Alt* Alassey deflated that there was a paper in Christchurch which would hang him half a dozen Limes if he took notice of it. (Laughter) . ||r* suggested that All* Holland's motion t>c withdrawn for the time being and he would give an oppm tunity for its discussion, though lie did not wish to interfere with the Addr'*ss-iii-lieplv motion. Air Holland .rising lo a point ol order, stated that he had been misrepresented hy the Prime .Minister, because lie had made it clear to the House that before lie tool; action he consulted the Speaker who. ol course, knew as well as he did that if action was to bo taken ii must come at once. Mr Speaker therefore advised him.

The IVf.’iuitT: Vrrv sorry. All- Holland: lie suggested that I lai-c ii and gel an understanding with ihe Premier that having done so it could stand over, and I would not hr.e lay rights. I saw the. Premier and told him what Mr Speaker advised. A| r Masscv : No. you did not. Air Holland reiterated that he consulted the Prime Minister, asking il he raised it could the matter be left tilt Monday. Air .Massey's reply being that ],... did not think there would be an opportunity on Monday. 'The Prime .Minister said that Air Holland bad not told him he would i-,i,e the matter immediately as a breach of privilege. It seemed io a very small matter, about which an enormous fuss was being made. Mr Fraser: It is what is said about the proceedings ot this House. Air Massey: I don’t think the hou gentleman troubles about the proceedings ol this House. . A. member: That is very unfair. Air .Massey: It would be better n some of the things which took place yesterday were forgotten. ' Mr Fraser: That’s so far ns you are concerned. . The Prime .Minister brougni the discussion to an end by suggesting that Air Holland should formally move Ins motion, that a breach of privilege has been committed by tbo Christchurch '-Press," and that the question be adjourned until next sitting day. 1 his, which was agreed to. will enable Air Massey to give a date for resumption of the argument.