VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 518, 16 November 1912, Page 5

VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT.

A RECORD STONEWALL. Received November 15, 10.10 p.m. By Teleiiruiili.-l'rus* Association. -Oon.vn- lit Melbourne, Friday. In Parlaiment discussion on the Estimates has been productive of a record stonewall. Starting at 10.:',0 on Wednesday morning, the House has been sitting continuously ever since with short breaks for meals. The trouble started in the Government's determination to force the Estimates through, even if Kept sitting till Saturday night. The principal idea, however, behind the Opposition's attitude is the Government endeavouring prevent, adoption this session of the redistribution of seats. The Opposition has shown much strategy in providing' relays of speakers, harassing the Government continually, and calling attention to the state of the House. In order to meet the diflieulty, the Ministerialists formed a chair circle in an adjoining room, and when the bells were rung, waited till the sand had almost run out, then marched in and out. again without taking' their seats.

All sorts of points weie raisc.i as subjects for discuussion to keep the ball rolling. Once the boll rang and a member who had not carried out his supuer plate and knife and fork, continued his meal. The question as lo whether he was in order led to a fruitful discussion. The chairman decided he might eat. Another member suggested sending for Speaker Willis to straighten out the tangle. Urgent wires were sent to absent members of both sides to ccmo and assist the blockade. Finally, when all were worn out/including the Hansard stair,£a compromise was reached at 4 o'clock this afternoon. The stonewall being raised, part of the Estimates passed.