SCENE IN THE NEW SOUTH WALES ASSEMBLY.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 91, 5 August 1876, Page 2

SCENE IN THE NEW SOUTH WALES ASSEMBLY.

[From the " Sydney Morning Herald,"

July 15.]

The debate on the want of confidence motion brought forward by Mr. Fitzpatrick, was brought to a close at four o'clock yesterday afternoon, by a scene unparalleled in the Parliamentary history of this if not of any other, country. The proceedings of the House were not concluded when we went to press yesterday morning. Two or three attempts to adjourn the debate were successfully resisted by large majorities on each occasion, the last division on a motion for adjournment being taken about five o'clock, when nineteen members voted for the motion and twenty-nine against it. At daybreak the Chamber was the scene of haggard faces, unkempt heads, littered floor, and general disorder. The long from half-past four o'clock on the previous afternoon had demoralised the House. Members grew careless about the debate on the main question, and under motions for adjournment frittered the time away by frivolous discussions. Personal alterations were frequent, but occasionally lion, members were treated to some fun. Every now and th'&i a point of order was raised, which Mr. Speaker had to decide. "What is a larrikin?" was the question that engaged the attention of hon. members for some time. The term was applied to "some of the supporters of the Government, and objection being taken to it, a point of order was raised. It was explained that the term larrikin originated in Melbourne, and meant "larking." "Mr. Fitzpatrick considered that the term meant mischievous, and illustrated his meaning by saying that somebody in the House did away with a pair of boots of his, and he was a larrikin —he was mischievous. Mr. Speaker said that the term was contemptuous and insulting, and therefore unparliamentary." The members of the Opposition expressed their determination to "sit it out," in order that they might have an opportunity of speaking at a time when their utterances were Kkely to be chronicled for the enlightenment of the country. The members on the Government side of the House stubbornly refused to listen to any appeal for adjournment. It was therefore impossible for any progress to be made with the debate. Nearly fifty members were either in the Chamber or within its precincts during the whole night and day. It was admitted that the Government had a majority, and therefore the useless discussions were not carried on with any view of altering the result. An adjournment of half-an-hour between eight and nine o'clock, and again between one arid two o'clock, was made for refreshment. The inane discussion was carried on by several hon. members until about three o'clock in the afternoon, when Mr. Lloyd essayed to speak on the main question. As, however, the motion immediately before the House was one for adjournment, and as he had already spoken upon that, he was precluded from delivering his address. There was then every probability that the discussion woidd continue until four o'clock, at winch hour it was known that Mr. Speaker would have to adjourn the House, that it might assemble, according to the standing orders, for the conduct of Friday's business, and that Mr. Fitzpatrick's motion would consequently lapse. Members of the Opposition were charged from the Government benches with conniving to bring about such a result. Soon after three o'clock, however, Mr. Fitzpatrick rose to make a speech which, although under a motion for adjournment, was practically a reply to the addresses that had been made in opposition to his motion. He was proceeding with a criticism of the Colonial Secretary's address when, the hour of four o'clock having been reached, Mr. Speaker rose to declare the sitting at an end. Then followed a scene which baffles all attempts at description, and will serve to make this long and extraordinary session for ever memorable in our Parliamentary annals. Mr. Speaker's announcement was met with a few cheers from the Government side, which at once provoked counter cheers from the Opposition. Members,

amidst the. cheering, exchanged repartees, These grew into angry reproaches, in. flaming the resentment of hon. mem. bers on both sides; and these again culminated in a fierce contention oi tongues and a general uproar, .such aj might be expected from an election mot in front of some hustings. Their mutual aversion impelled them from their seats, and amidst the most violent excitement each side moved towards the other, buj the tables intervening a collision was avoided. They gesticulated, shook theii I fists, and wagged their fingers at eacl other across the table, shouted out theii vindictiveness, the corridors and lobbies resounding with acclamations and clapping of hands. Charges of the grossest descrip tion appeared to be levelled across thj table from both sides, but amidst the noise and confusion it was utterly impos sible for the reporters to catch a sing) f sentence that was uttered. In vain dij Mr. Speaker endeavor to restore order, His voice was completely lost in t\ general hubbub, which lasted for sonu minutes. The galleries were crowded, the lobbies were thronged, but althougl there was great excitement everywhere; the disorder was entirely confined to th| floor of the House. When the noise haj partially subsided, Mr. Speaker was heait to say that the time had arrived when, bj a sessional order, the business of thi sitting must be concluded. Mr. Robert son shouted, "He who fights and run away, lives to fight another day." Quiel was at last restored, and the busbies! proper for the day was called on. Thl questions were postponed, as Ministers! having been at the day, hadbeel unable to procure the necessary answer! The formal business was transacted, ail then Mr. Farnell gave notice of anothJ motion of want of confidence, in precisely! similar terms to that of Mr. Fitzpatrick'J which has lapsed, for Wednesday nexl So there is a probability that next weel we shall have a repetition of the farce t)m has been enacted this week.' I