Mr. McDougall Bans Extended Speeches

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 779, 27 September 1929, Page 7

Mr. McDougall Bans Extended Speeches

LEADERS ONLY TIME-LIMIT ENFORCED (THE SUX S Parliamentary Reporter) PARLIAMENT BLDGS.. Thurs. That Caledonian stern and wild, Mr. D. McDougall (Mataura) is once more on the job. After a brief period in -which he -was laid aside through influenza he -was in the House this evening during the taxation debate to assert his principles, and he stoutly opposed any extension of time, both to Mr. D. Jones (Mid-Canterbury) and the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. E. A. Hansom, of his otvn party. He announced his firm intention of not allowing any extension of time to other than party leaders. Mr. Jones's eloquence on the subject of iniquitous taxation was in full flow when the little bell that signals the end rang. Mr. Jones's halfhour was up. Mr. F. Langstone (Waimarino) rose to move an extension of time amid a low-voiced disapproval from Government benches. Mr. McDougall hopped into the breach, “1 object,” he said firmly. “I gave ample notice before that I would do so.” He was going to tell Mr. Speaker all about it, but Mr. Speaker said that no explanation was necessary. Mr. McDougall wanted to impart some information, however, and said that he did not object to an extension of time in the case of the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, as he regarded him as the only financial authority iu the Reform Partv.

The question was put, Mr. Speaker saying, as usual, that there appeared to be no objection, but Mr. MgDougall said there was. Mr. Jones spoke on for a few r more minutes.

A sore trial of loyalty came later when the little bell tinkled for Mr. Ransom. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Coates, moved an extension. “No,” said Mr. McDougall, rising. Hr. Coates waved Mr. McDougall down. “Just a moment,” he said. “The question is so important that I would like the Minister to continue.” Mr. McDougall was insistent that his “nay” meant nay. “Oh, yes, please,” said Mr. Coates.

When the question was put Mr. McDougall dissented and the Minister had to finish. He agreed with Mr. McDougall in his contention that the rule relating to leaders of parties only having an extension of time should be carried out. “While I am here it will be,” Mr. McDougall assured him, amid laughter.