An Exciting Soene.

Manawatu Herald, 23 March 1899, Page 3

An Exciting Soene.

MINISTER THOMPSON AND

MEMBER WILSON.

An exciting scene took place 6n Saturday in the apartments of the Minister of Lands in the Government Buildings. Mr Wilson, member for the Suburbs, introduced a deputation to Mr McKenzie complaining of the defence authorities and demanding that they should erect a high boarded fence along a road passing a powder magazine belonging to the Defence Department, and asking for assistance in defraying the cost of the work. Mr T. Thompson, Minister for Defence, who had been called in to the consultation, said that an Act had been passed last session giving the Defence Department pre-emptive right of con* trot over roads near defence works. Mr Wilson asked the name of the Act. Mr Thompson (heatedly) : " I don't know ; I can't remember." Mr Wilson (satirically) : " What, you don't know the name of one of your own Acts ? " Mr Thompson (jumping up and ranging alongside the member for the Suburbs) : " Here, you ! lam not going to be cross-hackled and bullied about by you. You are an imperanent cub. I have had enough of your impertinence over that point of Halswell Road in my room the other day " (referring to an incident in which Mr Wilson said he would make the Defence Department open the road when Parliament met). "I'll have none of your impertinence. I will let you see that." Mr Wilson (addressing Mr McKenzie) : " I don't know, sir, whether I should ask for your protection, in this matter, even if I required it. I am extremely sorry this untoward incident should have occurred in your presence." Mr McKenzie poured oil on the troubled waters, and the deputation proceeded to state their case, and Mr Wilson supplemented their remarks, but somehow what he said again angered the Minister of Defence, who, advancing threateningly towards Mr Wilson, said : " Thisis more impertience. This is the Halswell Road over again " (addressing the deputation). " Come and see me when the Colonel comes back, and we will perhaps be able to make some arrangement ; but my advice to you is to have nothing to do with this fellow " (pointing to the member for the Suburbs). Mr Wilson said he was very sorry the Minister had so little command of his temper, and so little dignity, whereupon Mr Thompson muttered something more about cub and impertinence, aud rushed out of the room.