POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Patea Mail, 31 August 1880, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

From our Wellington Correspondent.

A STORMY SCENE.

MR J’VKE ORDERED UNDER ARREST. At Friday’s sitting of the Assembly, Mr Pyke, the clever but eccentric humorist, gave notice of motion “ that it is desirablethat the Northern and Middle Islands should be created separate colonics, and that a Commission should be appointed” to give effect thereto. At the evening sitting a storiU3 r scene occurred. The House went on voting items in the estimates, and actually sat till 8.30 next morning. Repeated attempts were made to adjourn ; Sir G-.Grey and Mr Pyke kept on proposing adjournments, alleging that “ some members were not in a tit state to proceed with the business.” This was a sort of allusion to Bellamy’s. The Premier several times denounced “ the obstruction of one or two members,” and retorted also that they were “not in a lit state.” This crossfiring culminated in a row. Mr Pyke tried to stop a vote for the Wellington Hospital. Sir George Grey having again moved to report progress, it was negatived on the voices. Mr Seddon (Hokitika) appeared to be asleep, and Mr Pyke called attention to him. The Chairman of Committee (Mr Kelly) had him roused up, and asked him how he voted. Mr Seddon replied that he “ voted against Pyke.” Then Mr Pyke protested that the vote had been recorded irregularly. The Chairman called him to order, and requested him to sit down. Mr Pyke persisted in defying the chair, and went on speaking. Uproar ensued. The Chairman left the chair amid disorder ; and the Speaker took his scat. Having been informed that Mr Pyke had been guilty of disorderly conduct, the Speaker called on him to apologise. Air Pyke explained at length, but refused to apologise. The Speaker directed him to leave the chamber. He did so. The Premier moved a vote of censure on him. Discussion ensued. Mr Pyke was observed in the Press gallery. The Sergeant-at-Arrns was ordered to go and arrest him for disobedience. Mr Pyke was pretending to take notes when the Sergeant went to arrest him. Pyke said: “I’ll not go. Keep your hands off me, sir, or I’ll have yon brought before the Court for an assault. Stand out of this : I’m reporting for a newspaper. I’m reporter for the Press Association.” The Segeant reported this to the Speaker, but was ordered to go back and arrest him. Sergeant returned with two assistants. Pyke now protested that this was an unwarrantable interference with the press, and that lie was reporting for the Otago Daily Times. The Sergeant insisted on removing him, and said : “ Come away, Mr Pyke, and don’t make a d d fool of yourself.” Pyke again protested, but then collapsed, and allowed himself to be made a prisoner. Being taken before tbc Speaker, he still refused to apologise, and was again ordered to leave tbc chamber. He did so.

(/>// Telegraph.) Monday Night. Mr Pyke has apologised in a churlish manner, but sufficiently to satisfy the House. ACTION FOR ASSAULT. Monday Night. Vincent Pyke intends taking proceedings against the Sergeant-at-A mis for assault in removing him from the press gallery.