THE SCENE IN THE HOUSE ON FRIDAY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2642, 8 September 1881, Page 2

THE SCENE IN THE HOUSE ON FRIDAY.

Discontent at the block that had occurred was becoming very general at the beginning of last week, and many people, oven when sympathising with ,the Nelson members in- the bard measure which had been meted out to them, were still of opinion that such a state of things could not be allowed to last. Wearied with the harassing duties of continuous sittings, members began to think and say that “ something should be done.” By Thursday whispers were hoard that something would be done. Pressmen were kept continually on the alert by the exciting hints of proceedings verging on the disorderly and high-banded which were darkly foreshadowed,and scarcely dared leave the House by night or day for fear of missing the "scene” which was gradually growing to a head. Uneasy feelings prevailed, and a restless state of mind akin to that produced on sensitive impressionable people by an approaching thunderstorm, was very general. Gatherings there were of members, consultations and small caucuses iu secret, meetings and walkings to and fro, and a dis quietude not unlike that which pervades a hive before the Queen bee’s final flight. Fighting was in the air, and those accustomed to Parliamentary battles sniffed the carnage from afar. In the town, reports had spread like wildfire that the deadlock, which was so exercising the minds of men and giving womankind another session subject upon which to exendse their facile tongues, was to come to an end that night. Rumours of desperate measures on the part of an outraged majority were rife. The drama was to be thrilling said (lie wise ones, and scenes were to be-therein enacted such as had never been - hitherto performed upon any stage political. Thus the great climax was, it will be seen, led up to, and at four on Friday afternoon the position became highly interesting, the “ stonewallers ” being eviden'ly reduced to some of their last shifts.

Mr Hursthduse, one of. their most indefatigable and wily tacticians sud denly “ saw strangers” in the House, and moved that they be ordered to withdraw. Upon the Chairman (Mr Bryce) putting the question, ho was met by a perfect storm of noes, and the sudden acuteness of vision availed Nelson nothing. Government members were becoming very irritable, and his next attempt to waste time on frivolous points of order did not smooth down their milled feathers. But the policy of “ the noble band,” as Sir George has styled them, was to contest their ground inch by inch and line by line. A motion for adjournment was de feated by a large majority, and the tough and slippery Hursthouse being silenced for a time, Seddon the re doubtable filled the breach with a motion —“ That progress be reported.” tVeary reporters look at each other in despair, as he . rises and declares that “ days times of Robesperry //is coming back again.” Members, groan at his announcement that “ you might jjist as well try to stop the Aebb and flow of the /toccan ’’ as to weather the storm of indignation that the iniquitous Bill will raise among the sovereign people. But be is no longer the bold loud-voiced Seddoij that he was. Want of sleep, and mental strain, constant speaking and long attendance have told upon even his robust frame. Looking very pale and haggard, Ids speech is slow and less defiant than of yore, bis voice less ringing and bis gestures laboured. In fact he speaks like one under the influence of some narcotic. No less an obstructionist than Sir George Grey follows him ; the

usually clear voice is feeble, but the utterance distinct and incisive as ever. The usual 5,30 p.m. adjournment closes •apon a Chamber ripe for disorder and a “ scene,” Mr Seddon, half foreseeing bloodshed, if so evil a Bill‘should be forced upon the country. Not the first time that this member has gone near to counselling an appeal to arms. Half-past seven approached, and the electric bells sounded their warning note through lobbies, corridors, and smoking rooms. That something unwonted was to be done was evident. Small standing room to be found behind the Speaker’s chair, his gallery crammed to overflowing. In the strangers’ gallery men packed rank on rank, craned their necks forward, and almost stood upon one another to gaze upon the Chamber below them. Many who had tickets for the space behind the chair found it filled before their coming, and overflowed into passages outside, the word being “ passed on ” to them, so that they kept pace with the proceedings within. Those much abused aristocrats, the favored members of the Upper House, Sir Willi&m Fitzherbert at their head, streamed into their gallery from “ another place,” and filled it from end to end. Fair bright faces and brighter colors, massed at the opposite end to Mr Speaker, lent an unusual brillaucy and brightness to the picture. For once the dusty green hangings and the now paper-strewn untidy Chamber seemed deserving of high interest and attention. Members crowded in, and the reporters’ gallery, where one blear-eyed wearied sentinel had kept his solitary guard through the long night watches, a brother penman enjoying (?) fitful slumbers on the bench behind hinr, was now filled up by eager correspondents. Suppressed excitement as Mr Seymour takes the chair. With a clear voice, heard with groat distinctness, he makes the opening speech of the historical drama to an audience listening in perfect stillness. Shortly and concisely the political position is reviewed, the fruitless divisions, the futile discussions, the frivolous amendments and adjournments. Rounds of applause greet the expression of his opinion .that the last limits of free discussion have been reached, and they swell to a louder pitch when he affirms his intention of confining the discussion to within due bounds, and not allowing his rulings to be challenged or disputed in any way. Some lively rallies ensue, the Opposition evidently hoping to make him give way on his decision to compel members to speak to the clause of the Bill under discussion and nothing else. Mr Shephard, in ponderous and sorrowful tones, prophesies a disturbance within the next few minutes. Mr Pitt calls attention to the grave constitutional question involved in the Chairman’s refusing to put the question to report progress. Tole, the curly-haired and youthful-looking, respectfuly asks for Mr Seymour’s authorities and precedents. Excitement is rising fast, and unruly murmurs and confusion seem to be setting in, when the calm, dispassionate voice of Mr Gisborne makes itself heard, and the climax is reached at once. The hon member for Totara seems less removed from his ordinary impassive demeanour, and his clear accents are, if anything, clearer than usual as he rises to move, "That progress be reported for the purpose of considering in full the House unprecedented ruling of the Chairman of Committees.” His refusal to speak to the clause of the Bill is steadfast, and equally steadfast his demand to be reported to Mr Speaker if his conduct is considered disorderly. • His attitude, clear headed and respected member as he is, draws loud applause from the stonewall faction, who are jubilant, supposing they have found a light in their darkness. Choice there is none in dealing with such offenders ; and Mr Seymour leaves the Chamber. A few moments of suspense elapse, and he returns with the master spirit of the occasion. Sir Maurice O’Rorke has often shown great firmness, decision, and high ap preciation of the dignity of his office as mouthpiece of the majority, but never has ho shone fo r th so brightly as on this memorable Friday evening. On his entrance, two if not three members Mr Reeves and Sir George Grey among them—were on their legs, speaking amid confusion and uproar. But they were reduced to nonenities on the instant. To describe the effect the “ New Zealand Times ” of this morning (Monday) may bo quoted. “The scene in the House will not easily be forgotten ; ” I should prefer “ never ” instead of not easily, speaking as one who was present, “ Mr Seymour’s firm, but gentle, tone, the seething rebelliousness of the contumacious members reduced at once to order on the appearance of the Speaker. There was something imposing in the powerful assertion of his authority—the thunder of the voice by which Sir George Grej was suppressed, obstructionists were cowed, and the whole House awed by an exhibition of moral force unparalleled in the history of our Parliament.” Far different from his own ordinary firm tones, or the bland and courteous firmness of the famous House of Commons Speaker so lately raised to knighthood. His voice rang through the din like a thunderclap. The occasion came, and Sir Maurice rose to it. In his masterful presence seemed typified the honour and authority of the House. The hon member for Totara was then then addressed as Mr Gisborne—- “ named”—and given a chance to think bettor of his actions, In breathless silence the pains and penalties were then impressively read, and Mr Gisborne withdrew. The unenviable task then fell on the Premier of preparing a resolution, and proposing a fine. Neither seemed to jump with humor and he evidently would gladly have escaped his duty. He even asked the speaker if resolution and penalty could not be made separate matters. Stern and deep-voiced was the reply. “No; the authority and dignity of the' Chair are at stake. I can countenance no trifling with its authority,” The motion read, and Sir George’s amendment—“ That Mr Gisborne rightly strove to bring before the House, what he believed to be the unprecedented ruling of the Chairman of Committees,” being also before the House, a general discussion followed. Nearly every member of weight and worth came well to the fore with earnest reasons for and against Mr Gisborne’s suspension and fine. It was highly interesting to notice how the mere talkers went to the wall, and how each man of courage and honor made telling speech is.’ Division next, as a'ready telegraphed, and then came the calling in of the contemptuous member and his lecture from the Chair. His past career, his standing in the House, his late high position iu the Civil

Service should have led him to take a lifferont coats' 1 , and to set an example to younger and weaker brethren. Grave and well couched as the words were, they easily admitted of being turned into ridicule, had the occasion been less tremendous, as a schoolboy talking-to. To no man, however, who could view the occurrence in all its bearings could they appear in that light. This case was a test one, brought with deliberation and has future meaning not yet to be fathomed. The words fell with all due force upon Mr Gisborne, and as he shaded his eyes with his hands it was evident he felt them keenly. Sir George, 100, was certainly affected. With this telling speech from the Chair, already seen by your readers, in which Sir Maurice with great effect enforced the doctrine that the Standing Orders were not meant to tie the Speaker’s hands, and that there was a personification of authority within the House and within the chair amply able to cope with disorder and restrain obstruction to the maintenance of dignity and decorum—came to a close the famous incident.

I venture to say that none of those present, who value political freedom and liberty of discussion, will forget it during their lives. Correspondent “ Lyttelton Times.”