POLITICAL BICKERING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1554, 23 May 1916, Page 4

POLITICAL BICKERING.

The concluding portion of the Ad-dress-in-Reply debate in Hie House last week’ was marked by bitter recriminations on Hie part of Sir Joseph Ward, Hie Hon. W. G. Russell, and others. A remark made by Mr Webb on Wednesday night that the National Government was a disgrace was referred lo by Mr Russell. Mr Welib : So it U. H is a disgrace lo civilisation. Mr Russell : Can Hie lion, gentleman say he is any great credit, to the (list riel he represents ? I have listened to many of bis speeches, and observed his actions since the war broke out, but. I do not remember bis on any occasion saying that he hoped the British would win Hie war.

Mr Welil) ; You have not read “Hansard,” then.

Mr Russell : I hope the hon. gentleman, who is without encumbrances, will follow the example of (Messrs Seddon, I townie Stewart, Hine, and other members, and thus show his patriotism before he is conscripted by the legislation that is coming down. (Hear, hear). Mr Hindmarsh : How many sons have you at. the front ! Mr Russell ; Two. When Mr Russell concluded his speech, Mr Webb rose to make a personal explanation. Referring to the Minister's remark about patriotism, he said : “The greatest patriot is not always the man with tin* most gas. I can produce reports in “Hansard” and reports of public speeches to show that he is wrong. 1 have always tried to make it possible for any man in a position to go to the war, to do so. 1 have tried to keep down (he cost of living so that (heir dependents shall not he fleeced.” Proceeding, Mr A\ ebb said he admitted being single and physically (it. The Minister had tried to make out that he was a proGerman. That was one of the most cruel, and cowardly things

The Speaker : The hon. gentleman must not make a speech. He can only state where he has been misrepresented. Some interjections followed. A member was heard to say Unit “he would not say it outside' the House*. ’ This was followed by Mr Hindmarsh ejaculating, “Miserable cur.” The Speaker (sharply) : Did the hon. member use that expression in reference to any member of the House 1 Mr Hindmarsh : Yes, sir, 1 did. • The Speaker : Then the hon. member must withdraw it, and express regret. Mr Hindmarsh : Well, sii The Speaker-: It must be withdrawn without any qualification whatever. Mr Hindmarsh ; 1 will withdraw it on this occasion, sir. The Speaker (sternly) ; I ask the hon. gentleman not to trille with the Chair. He must withdraw the expression. Mr Hindmarsh : Yes, sii 1 withdraw it. The Speaker : The hon. gentlemen must also c' ress regret at making the statement. Mr Hindmarsh ; Well—er —well, 1 express regret, sii*. In the course of further remarks, .Mr Russell said that if Mr M ebb could tell him of any public city at which he had urged young men to enlist he would apologise. Mr Webb : No. it is not my intention to inflame the minds of young people to go and leave their deoendenfs.