EXCITED LEGISLATORS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 53, 24 August 1911, Page 5

EXCITED LEGISLATORS.

SCENE IN PARLIAMENT. BITTER ATTACK ON THE GOVERNMENT. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 23, i).2n p.m. Sydney, August 23. Parliament was opened by Commission, and Mr. Willis was nominated as Speaker. A long argument is anticipated. 'Mr. Holman stated that he did not intend to attempt to stifle discussioa. Proceedings in the Assembly were electric and disorderly from the jump.

The mover and seconder of Mr. Willis' nomination were constantly interrupted by sarcastic Opposition remarks. Mr. Wade, in a long speech, hotly and bitterly attacked the Government and Mr. Willis, amidst a constant exchange of heated remarks. At one point the intervention of others prevented two members from exchanging blows. Mr. Wade declared that the course followed by the Government involved the degradation and humiliation of Parliamentary government such as had never before been seen. The Government was so hungry for office that they would do anything rather than relinquish their grip. They become the great betrayers of history, They had dangled the bait' of prestige and emolument before mem> bers. He reproached Mr. Willis with deserting the Liberals and accepting the Speakership, and declared he was absolutely unworthy to fill the chair, having made himself a party to a disgraceful contract, the object of which was to keep in power after the Government had ceased to enjoy the confidence of the House and the country. ;

GENERAL ELECTION ABOUT

CHRISTMAS. Received 23, 11 p.m. Sydney, August 23. Mr. Holman was frequently interrupted in his spirited reply to Mr. Wade. He defended the Government and Mr. Willis. II the Labor Party had heen able to appeal to two farmers' electorates in the moment of unpopularity and intense excitement, and the Liberals had failed to gain these seats, the Laibor Party could face the general election with composure. The House would be permitted to clear up business which was clearly necessary before an appeal was made to the country. He was determined to get the Electoral Reform and Redistribution of Seats Bills through. He expected a general election about Christmas.

A FIGHT TO. THE DEATH. Received 24, 12.40 a.m. Sydney, August 23. The debate is going strong, and there is every prospect of a protracted sitting. , The proceedings ore of a free-and-easy character. The clerk who is filling the place of the Speaker, without his powers, is helpless to check the members. The Opposition is determined to resist Mr. Willis' appointment to the death, but are willing to compromise if Mmeone else is nominated.