DISGRACEFUL SCENE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1740, 13 October 1917, Page 3

DISGRACEFUL SCENE.

POLITICIANS COME TO BLOWS. A' disgraceful scene took place in the House of Representatives on Wednesday night, which fortunately is rare- in New Zealand’s Parliamentary history. The regrettable incident arose out of a remark made by Mr Pearce, when Mr Hindmarsh was speaking on the Pensions question. The remark was, “We are not all as afraid to go to the Avar as you are.” Mr Hindmarsh: I can see by your face that you are an absolute cur! (Sensation). The Speaker (Sir F. W. Lang) said the honourable member must withdraw the remark, and the ruling was obeyed. Mr H. Poland: It’s quite right. Several members pointed out that although Mr Hindmarsh had AvithdraAva his remark, Mr Poland had not Avithdrawn his interjection. Mr Speaker administered a general rebuke regarding the undue indulgence in interjections. The sequel Avas that Mr Poland and Mr Pearce came to blows in the lobby. Another remark made during the evening emanated from Mr Veitcb. avlio said to Mr Okey: “You are an insignificant backblocks creature.” The Prime Minister, avlio had just entered the Chamber, said he did not knoAv Avhat Parliament Avas coming to. “The scenes here to-night,” he continued, “have been a disgrace to the Ncav Zealand Parliament. I ask hon. members to recollect that they represent the people of this country,,and should uphold the honour and the character of Parliament, and see that they use no language calculated to cause a breach of the peace.” (Hear, hear). The Speaker: “I recognise it has been a very heated debate; but I must ask hon. members not to interject, The trouble arises largely from members interjecting,” (Hear, hear),