A “FADE-OUT”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 173, 12 October 1927, Page 20

A “FADE-OUT”

M.P’s. in Dark FAILURE OF LIGHTS AN EARTHQUAKE, TOO (THE SUN’S Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. Even the city lighting system has protested against the long hours which our legislators sit in Parliament. Things were going merrily on the Customs Amendment Bill this evening and the debate was becoming rather tedious when the lights became slowly fa-int and finally went right out, leaving Mr W. E. Parry, Auckland Central, talking to an inky black chamber. There was a surprised chorus from all parts of the House. Business had to cease of course, but there was an immediate cry for Mr. Sidey to bring forth some of the daylight which he has saved. The best Mr. Sidey could do, however, was to hold erect two lighted matches, other members also illuminating the chamber dimly with occasional vestas.. As this followed fairly closely upon a short, sharp shock of earthquake, members wondered what was coming next, but the more cheerful of them took the situation lightly and commenced to sing, “Pack up your troubles ...” to a spirited opposition chorus from the other side of the House. • This was followed by Mr. J. A. Nash and his quartette, who produced such discord in “When Moses was a Little Child,” that dog barks and cat-calls issued from the dark recesses in the lobbies. Before long the whole House was engaged in community singing which developed into shouts of laughter as a Hansard importer ma.rched into the chamber with a candle in each hand to a cry of “Lighten our darkness!” The lights came on for a few moments and everything was settling down when once more the system registered its protest, Mr. H. E. Holland, Leader of* the Opposition, listened to several speakers in the half-light of a candle, speaking from notes which they could not see, and then suggested that the House take the division and finish for the night. The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, was obdurate, however, and thought that the discussion could go on, Mr. F. F. Hackly, chairman of committees, adjourning till the ringing of the bells. Immediately there was an outcry. Mr. J. A. Nash asking “Where can we go ?” Mr. J. A. Lee: We can play two-up on the green. Mr. Coates said that inquiries would be; made and if the lights positively refused to go then the House could adjourn. _ _ ... Members were not at all reconciled to the idea of goinis. on iin the dark, and Mr. Coates was just trying to placate Mr. Holland and some of his own benchers, when, of a sudden the lights shone again.