The Speaker's Absence.

Manawatu Herald, 8 September 1898, Page 3

The Speaker's Absence.

Curious reports are still afloat as to the real reason for Sir Maurice O'Rorke's absence from his Parliamentary duties, and it is now currently stated that the principal reason was in order to avoid another rupture with the Minister for Lands over the Hansard map business. Your readers may remember a memorable occasion in a previous session when the Speaker called Mr John McKenzie to order, and the angry Minister took such mortal offence at the well-meant rebuke that Sir Maurice apologised to him next day before the whole House, but the apology never appeared in Hansard. The Christchurch Press comments in severe terms on the Speaker's action with respect to allowing Hansard to be illustrated. Referring to the general belief that Sir Maurice O'Rorke was decidedly opposed to the innovation, it asks why he did not convey that intimation to the House through the acting Speaker, if he were himself unable to attend, and why in the very height of the crisis did the Speaker betake himself to Auckland ? It goes on to say : — " The public, whether rightly or wrongly, will assume that he shrinks from bringing himself again into antagonism with the Minister for Lands." During the course of the debate the Premier stated that it was not desirable for the Speaker to bring himself into conflict with < political parties. This, according to the Press, is a monstrous doctrine. It is the duty of the Speaker to act impartially without fear, favor, or affection to uphold the honor of the House. The article concludes as follows : — " To say that the Speaker should refrain from doing his duty lest he should come into conflict with either one side or the other is a most improper position, and shows to what a depth the leader of the House has now descended. Whether any further action will be taken with regard to the Speaker we do not know. We should be sorry to see any unpleasantness arise in regard to so old a public sei* vant, who has in the past served the colony with so much distinction. We certainly think, however, that Sir Maurice O'Rorke ought himself to consider the propriety of resigning a positi n to which it is evident he is no longer equal." — Exchange.