A Record Speech.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 5 June 1914, Page 8

A Record Speech.

M. Fresi, a Czech deputy, has broken all records for long speeches in the Dual Monarchy by speaking for sixteen hours—from eight o'clock at night till noon the next day—in the Lower House of the Austrian Parliament, in the debate on the mobilization laws. M. Fresi was surrounded by a squad of Czech deputies, relieved at regular intervals, who obtained for him short spells of rest by organised interruptions and counter interruptions among themselves, while he hastily munched chocolates and drank milk or lemonade.

Other deputies, who had determined to maintain their ground against the obstructionists, had organised everything in view of a prolonged sitting. Divans were installed in the corridors, where the deputies slept in batches during the night. When the doors to the Chamber were opened the sound of loud snores came from the corridors. —" Ireland's Own."