Mr. Speaker . .. Session Queries and Asides

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 756, 31 August 1929, Page 1

Mr. Speaker . .. Session Queries and Asides

(TBR St'.V’S Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON. Friday. Having begun the week in sober and sedate fashion, Parliament evidently thought that something should be done in the closing stages to liven things up. Accordingly the week has ended with a high-power wrangle, which began on Thursday evening with Mr. A. M. Samuel (Thames) castigating members of the Government for their criticisms of Reform members, and worked up to a climax today. , • • This morning the wigs were on the green when Mr. Samuel alleged that the Minister of Education had been guilty of a breach of privilege in making a remark about Egypt in the lobby after the House rose. Personal bitterness was brought on to the floor of the House, and the two men concerned have been left the week-end to consider whether they will kiss and be friends again or not ... Virus of Squabble The virus of squabble seemed to be In the air after that. Mr. T. W. McDonald next got the bug. He launched a vigorous attack on Mr. J. A. Nash (Palmerston) for what he alleged was political jobbery in connection with the Campbell Street School in Palmerston North. Mr. Nash was no less stinging in reply. He dragged in a few' references to Mr. McDonald's tactics when on a visit of Inquiry to Palmerston North, and raked up the past with some observations on Mr. McDonald's alleged attempted candidature for the Patea seat. , * * That was in the morning. In the lunch hour, the glowing coals of party rivalry were fanned to flame, and straight-away almost, the “London Money Market Mystery” was a Parliamentary best-seller. The Hon. W. Downie Stewart (Dunedin West) started oft with an attack on the Prime Minister, the Rt. . Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, for his remarks on the subject of being embarrassed on the market. As it was an Imprest Supply Debate, members had full range, and this set-to was participated in by all. In between the burst of differences, members staged a little argument on the granting of the licence to the brewery on the Great South Road at Otahuhu, which is just outside Auck land. The usual preliminaries of questions and notices of motion were done away with this morning. Members just hopped straight into the fray, and a Ranfurly Shield match wasn’t in it sometimes for thrills. 9 9 9 Dragging On The Budget debate is still dragging out its slow length, like a weary python, which has made a good meal i off a large-sized calf. As far as can 'be gathered, it will not end until Tuesday at the earliest now. It Is understood that there are about six speakers from all sides to have their say. * * * While Mr. Nash was discussing the question of a school at Palmerston North, he expressed pride in the building and claimed that it was a fine job. Mr. F. Langstone (Waimarino): Why did they have to put a new roof on it? Mr. Nash (designedly): I wish someone would put a roof on the member for Waimarino. Last election he was a constituent of mine. I believe he voted for me. Mr. Langstone, who is a Labour member, with pious fervour: God I forbid! * * • I Both Guilty j After Mr. McDonald and Mr. Nash i had exchanged a few personal details !of each other, Mr. D. G. Sullivan j (Avon) rose to follow Mr. Nash. He felt like a member of a jury, he said. He did not know whether the member for Wairarapa knew more about the member for Palmerston, or’ the member for Palmerston knew more about the member for Wairarapa. He suggested that it would be a good idea if Mr. Speaker could sum up in judicial fashion. Mr. H.. T. Armstrong (Christchurch East): Gaol them both! • * • Summer Time Bill The Summer Time Bill was read a second time in the Legislative Council today. The Leader of the Council, the Hon. T. K. Sidey, said the only difference from the measure of last year was that it was proposed to put it on the Statute Book without limitation of the period of effectiveness. * * * Duties and Business That Ministerial duties come before business interests is the opinion held by Mr. W. Lee Martin (Raglan), who | spoke of the Postmaster-General’s lack of sympathy for those seeking a reduction in rural telephone charges. : “It is generally known the Minister has large business interests and that he is devoting a lot of time to those interests,” said Mr. Martin. "Howi ever, as he has taken this office he | should devote more time to the work ! of the department of which he is the ! head.”