SPEAKER WILLIS AGAIN.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 520, 23 November 1912, Page 5

SPEAKER WILLIS AGAIN.

TAKES CHARGE OF HOUSE. SNUBS BOTH PARTIES. FURTHER EJECTIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Cop.vrißlit Sydney, Wednesday. In the House of Assembly Mr Moxham was called to the bar of the House and invited to apologise. He expressed his willingness to do so, but the Speaker was not satisfied and insisted that the apology must be put in writing. Loud cries of dissent followed, and the Speaker then ordered Mr Moxham's removal.

Mr Wood was also ejected simultaneously, Mr Willis alleging that he had interfered with the Sergeant-at-Arms in the performance of his duty. Mr McGowen, Premier, immediately moved that Mr Moxham's apology be regarded as sufficient. Mr Willis inquired as to whether there was any objection to taking the motion now. Amid cries of "Take it now," Mr Willis adjourned the debate and left the chair.

Resuming the chair in the evening, Mr Willis practically took the business out of the hands of the Government. He refused to receive the Premier's motions or to allow him to move the suspension of the standing orders, even on the score of urgency. Finally, after a sitting which during afternoon ani evening combined had lasted forty-five minutes, the Premier gave notice of motion of dissent from the Speaker's ruling, and immediately moved the adjournment of the House.

Mr McGowen repeatedly attempted to check Mr Willis under various standing orders, but each time the Speaker frustrated him, finally stating that the only way out was to rescind the previous night's motion, for which seven days' notice was required. He told Mr McGowen he might suspend all the standing orders, and the Speaker may then adjourn the House till after Christmas. Mr Holman next tried to move a motion, but Mr Willis snubbed him out by informing him that he was too late.

Having whipped the House in, Mr Willis calmly ordered members to proceed to buainess on th Q order paper. Trie order was ignored, and the Speaker then consented to allow the dissent motion to take precedence to-day. A remarkable scene ended in general excitemcent and prolonged cheering. Mr Holman subsequently stated that he expected that the dissent motion will be carried. In that case the House would proceed to business. Mr Wood announced that the Opposition would support the Government in any reasonable action to end an intolerable situation, regardless of party considerations. Both paper? discuss whether Mr Willis will resign. The Herald says no one can tell what will happen. The House mav again adjourn without the settlement of a serious crisis, but so far as the mind and temper of the members are concerned, he is no longer Speaker. It had been definitely decided that he must be deposed.

The Telegraph says that the Government apparently expects Mr Willis to bow to the will of the House and accept the position with a few pompous platitudes. Should he resign, the Government is prepared to nominate a successor. NO CONFIDENCE IN SPEAKER. MOTIONS PROPOSED. Received November 22, 9.30 p.m. By Telegraph.—Press Association.—CopyrißlH • Sydney, Friday. In the Assembly Mr Wood asked the Premier what he intended to do to remedy the position arising in view of the Speaker's statement that he virtually controlled the business of the House under the standing orders. Mr McGowen said he realised the Government had a very difficult position, but they were prepared to take action to protect the business of the House if necessity arose.

Mr Wood then gave notice of motion that the House reaffirm right to make and control, through its member, the business of the House. That in view of the Speaker's declaration, Mr Willis no longer possesses the confidence of the House.

The motions will be discussed on Monday.