A SIDELIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1930, Page 3

A SIDELIGHT

HON. WRIGHT’S STATEMENT. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association WELLINGTON, Nov. 22. What were termed by Mr G. G. Watson, counsel for Lady Hunter, as Parliamentary sidelights and some of the interesting inner history of the House of Representatives, were given by Mr R. A. W/right, M.P., in the combe of his evidence in the case concerning the will of the late Sir George Hunter. Mr Watson’s cross-examination of Mr Wright had turned to the question of voting when a member is not well enough to move from iiis seat in the Chamber. In reply to a question Mr Wright said the practice was for the Whip to record the member’s vote from his seat. Mr Watson: “They always vote no matter what condition they are in?’ —“Yds.” “Even if they don’t know what, lias been talked about?”—“Members always do know.” (Laughter.) “Even when they are asleep?”— “They wake them up then.” “All, now we are hearing some of the interesting inner history,” wais Mr Watson’s comment, amidst laughter. Mr Wrisht added that members usually bad fixed views on certain subjects, and voted inwnective of debates.

Mr Watson (facotionsM: “V r hn. an awful waste of time and mon n v! “The nosit ion is.” said Mr Wricht. “that the public exooct. men to make pledges on these o”estions and expect tlmm to stand bv them.” Mr W°tson: “They become voting 11 N machines.

Hero Mr Watson they should nns-s on frn*n ' ‘T’-wUn m-<-oidehohts.” and eoi>n«clh cross-e-ein. inntion was then directed to other matters.