DRUNK M’s.'H.R.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3769, 1 August 1907, Page 2

DRUNK M’s.'H.R.

The Feilding Star published the following in its issue of Tuesday last: —“Some years ago the writer published an article on “Drunkenness in Parliament,’’ in which scathing reference was made to the conduct of several members supporting the then Government. The article was made the subject of a debate in the House in the course of which an attempt was made to make it a breach of privilege. At that stage the writer offered to prove the truth of the statements made in the article. But, sooner than run the risk of an exposure the Government party contented themselves with a motion of regret that the article bad been published.. The incident is recalled by a* statement in the Petone Chronicle of Saturday last, in which it is stated that a “ Bacchanalian member of the House appeared in the lobby not as sober as a. Judge.” And our contemporary adds, “Drunkenness within and insolence without,” these are some of the outstanding features of’the great Talk-shop. It seems a pity that there is not someone ill the Houfie who has pluck enough to expose such a scandalous state of things, for we feel sure, if the constituents of some of these “ drunk and incapable ” representatives of the people were only to be given an idea of the true state of affairs, the talking-shop would know them no more. We remember some years ago when scenes were allowed to go on within the precinctsof the House of Parliament which would be a disgrace to an taphouse in the Old Country, and were winked at by those in authority because they voted 1 ‘ all right,” and to a leader of the party under the party system of government votes are sacred things,”