HATS OFF!

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1925, Page 4

HATS OFF!

PAR id A .ME XTA R Y I•SA GE. VISITORS MUST UNCOVER. WELLINGTON. July 7. Parliament may not stand very high in the estimation of the average visitor, but he will be forced to make some concession to its prestige in future. -AltSpeaker, as chief protector of Parliamentary privilege, having directed that hats must come off in lite precincts of tlie House, whether tbo corridors are draughty or otlterwi.se. To enforce this rule, .the Parliamentary staff inis licet: reinforced, so that every entrance lias its eight-hour day. This moans an expensive shift system. What is more embarrassing to democratic members is that they are entitled to wear their hats even in the Chamber, but their constituents, however, gel a sharp reminder if. even in tiie outermost corridor they fail to observe tlie rule. It is humorously suggested that, as the corridors are beautifully carpeted, tlie rule might be improved by a change to “hats on, bools off.”

The matter was raised in the House to-day by Air Fraser as one of privilege. He understood—ho did not know by whose orders—that when visitors

came to tiie House to visit members they were immediately informed, sometimes peremptorily, that they must remove their hats. Sometimes, even when a constituent was talking to a member, lie w,‘is approached and ordered to remove ltis lint. He understood members of the Press were subjected to tlie same indignity. He submitted for his own part—and he spoke for a considerable proportion of members—that this rule should lie abrogated.

The Prime .Minister intimated that he considered the matter one entirely for the Speaker. lie considered the conduct of tlie messengers to he excellent.

Mr Fraser: No objection is taken to that. Tbere is no charge against tlie messengers. They carry out their duties as courteously its possible. It is their orders I object to. .Mr ilol la lid objected to the distinction v. hl'■ 1 1 was made between a member of Parliament and his constituents. .Members could go through the lobbies with their hats on. and no objection was made to it. II the rule was lo apply, ii should apply to everybody. (Dissent from some members.) Air Speaker said he considered tlial the matter should have boon privately discussed with him. instead ol being brought up in the House. It was entirely under ltis jurisdiction. If members valued their privileges and the dignity of the House, they should de-

mand ordinary courtesies from visitors. Who i a visitor went to the lions' of (ominous 1m was immediately relieved of I'D stick ami coat, an 1

anv visitor must remove his hat in the corridors. Members had privileges whit it otigliI to lie ioalom ly guarded, and he intended to guard them. There

was a very great distinction, in his opinion, between members and strangers. and he was going to insist oil tire rule being observed; (Applause from tuntiv members.)