SCENE IN HOUSE.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 August 1925, Page 4

SCENE IN HOUSE.

MINISTER CAUSES OUTCRY. WELLINGTON, August 28. ‘T cannot understand the Iron gentleman. He was snivelling from the time he got up until be sat down. I am going to rechristen him Snivelling George.” The extraordinary reference to the leader of the Opposition from Sir Maui Pomare in the House to-day drew a storm of protest from Oppositionists. Clear above the cries of protest was llionrtl it remark of Air Poland to the .Minister of Health: ‘‘Aon are a fulliiloodeel Maori, and a dirty one at that.” The House was in uproar in a moment, cries of ‘•Withdraw!’' being directed in chorus at the Manistee. One member wits heard to ejaculate’. “You dirty cur.” The chairman of committees (Mr •f. A. Young). when order was obtained, said ho understood the Minister had made a personal reference to another lion member, which he should withdraw. Sir Maui Pomare: I withdraw. Air Poland: [ don’t think a withdrawal is at all sufficient to purge the offence. He should certainly apedogi.se for words which were not used in the boat of debate but used deliberately. Sir Maui Pomare. addressing the chairman: I think you have already ruled. The chairman: 1 ask you to wit.ielrav. Sir Maui Pomare: Which I did. A number of members at the back of the House demanded to know wliat were the words, and the Minister repeat!-.’!! bis expression. The cah.irmnn: The lion. Minister must not only withdraw, lie must apologise. The standing orders are very strict that any reference to the personal character of members is highly disorderly, and 'if we allowed that fieri of thing to go on in this Parlaiment I do not know where wo should get. Sir Alaui Pomare: T will withdraw and express regret, but The chairman : Go on with vour speech. Sir Afaui Pomare: 'lhe words were not. tiscil in any insulting manner (Opposition dissent). H was met, perliiciouslv said. It was soiel with a smile, which is usual with myself, and anyone who knows the relationship between myself and the member for 11 iirutini will know if was no! meant offensively. It was only used in a political sense.