SPEAKER WILLIS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 53, 27 February 1912, Page 5

SPEAKER WILLIS.

MOTION ALLEGING PARTIALITY ON HIS PART. MEMBER AGAIN EJECTED. Sydney, February 26. Mr Levien’s motion, reflecting on the Speaker, because of his partiality to the Ministerialists and his unfair treatment of the Oppositionists, was the first business of the Assembly. The atmosphere was electric. Before the motion was introduced, Mr Wood asked if it could be discussed free from any restrictions by the chair. The Speaker asked Mr Wood to withdraw and apologise. Mr Wood disclaimed any intention to personal offensiveness. The Speaker held that it was ntot a question of personal offence, but of offence to the House. Mr Wood declined to withdraw, and •was removed by the Speaker’s order, the Opposition showing strong resentment. The Speaker cautioned two other members, and Mr Levien then moved the motion, Mr Levien took exception to the manner of Mr Willis’s appointment as Speaker. He did not think that any Government in this or any other country could show a chair occupied under similar circumstances. He (Mr Levien) an Independent, had been offered and refused the chair, whilst Mr Willis, a Liberal, had accepted it under conditions which made his occupancy a matter for sorrow. Mr Willis bad not occupied the chair with the dignity necessary to the position. Essentials wore impartiality, fairness, and common justice. Mr Willis had not boon impartial, fair or just.