A Scene in the N.S. Wales Parliament.

Manawatu Herald, 20 January 1894, Page 2

A Scene in the N.S. Wales Parliament.

Parliament was opened by comm ssion at noon on Wednesday. The Governor's speech contained nothing fresh, being on the lines of the Government programme.

Mr G. H. Reid, Leader of the Opposition, moved an amendment to the Address in-Reply, general y con demning the Government lor proroguing Parliament at a critical time.

Sir G. R. Dibbs, Premier, said that if Mr Reid's action were endorsed, it would plunge the country iuto chaos.

Mr H. Copeland, Minister for Lands, proceeded to address the House, and Mr J. Hindis rising to a p >infc of order, asked the Speaker whether it was competent for a member to address the House while in a stats of intoxication.

A most discreditable scene followed.

Mr Copeland, who was greatly excited, threatened to " wring that d scoundrel's neck," but prevented by other members from walking across to Mr Hindle.

The galleries were cleared, and Mr Copeland was ordered from the Chamber during the remainder of the sitting, but it was decided not to proceed with business, and the House adjourned almost immediately. After i he House adjourned last night. Mr Copeland. who had caused the scene in the Chamber, loitered about waiting for Mr Hindle, who departed by the back entrance.

The scene was an extremely painful one. The Minister, dressed in a short white duck coat, without a vest, hatless, and with his collar and tie awry, stood in front of the main entrance to the House, with a laughing jeering crowd near him, some member of the crowd occassionally suggesting to the police to lock him up, and crying, " If he was a poor man yon would have done so."

Sir George Dibbs and Mr Sufctor vainly endeavoured to get Mr Cope laud within the precincts of the House, but a general movement of the crowd hustled the whole partv into the House.

As an outcome of the scene in the Legislative Assembly ypsterday, the Hon. Henry Copeland, Minister for Lands, has resigned his portfolio, and the Cabinet has accepted bis resignation.