N.S.W. POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 54, 25 August 1911, Page 5

N.S.W. POLITICS.

A SPEAKER ELECTED. RESULTS OP EXUBERANCE. By Cable —Press Association—Copyright. Sydney, August 24. The Assembly adjourned at 8 o'clock. Mr. Willis was appointed Speaker. Mr. Mcehan, a Labor member, in the exuberance of his spirits, was sliding down the bannister of the stairs when he overbalanced and fell on a packing case and fractured his pelvis and received concussion of the brain. He was removed to the hospital unconscious. It is now doubtful if the Opposition will grant him a pair; if not, it will mean that Mr. Willis will have to exercise his casting vote in any discussions. TURBULENT POLITICIANS. "THERE IS NO SPEAKER!" INCIDENT IN N.S.W. PARLIAMENT. Received 24, 5.10 p.m. Sydney, August 24. There was a remarkable scene in the House after Mr. Willis was installed in the chair.

Members of the Opposition claimed to have been tricked, and there was a violent and continued uproar for a considerable time, ni-iny members apparently boiling for a fight. In several instances the intervention of others was necessary to prevent infuriated members from coming to blows.

One member was forcibly dragged from the Chamber to keep him from inflicting bodily harm on an opponent. The actual election was peculiar. When a Minister had concluded a speech a member on each side jumped up, and the Clerk of the House pointed to a Laborite who, instead of commencing a speech, advanced to the table and poured a glass of water over Willis. The mover and seconder thereupon hurried him forward and installed him in the chair amid loud protests from the Opposition, and shouts that the Oppositionist who had risen had intended to make another nomination. This was greeted with cries of "Too late!"

Mr. Holman subsequently explained that there being only one nomination no division was required. They thought the debate had terminated, and so called upon Mr. Willis. The proceedings were strictly legal, and the Opposition defeated themselves by neglecting to nominate a second man. When Mr. Willis was introduced as the Speaker after the dinner adjournment, the Oppositionists remained seated, and greeted him with shouts of "There is no Speaker!" These cries were repeated when members were invited to proceed to Government House to present the Speaker to the Governor. The Opposition remained in the House while this ceremony was performed, and also declined to attend the Legislative Council Chamber to hear the LieutenantGovernor read his speech. The cries of "There is no Speaker!" were again repeated. The Speech was short, and simply indicated that the Electoral Law Amendment Act would be restored. The business paper was finally dealt with. Also the Public Works proposals and such other business of an urgent character as was necessary.

Returning to the Assembly tlie Speaker immediately adjourned the House, in spite of further turbulent Liberal opposition. FURTHER COMPLIMENTS. Received 24, 9.30 p.m. Sydney, August 24. Mr. Holman declares the Government is to stand or fall by Mr. Willis' election to the Speakership. He is not prepared to entertain any overtures for an alteration of the decision. Mr. Willis' appearance was greeted with cries of "Traitor! Judas Iscariot!" and many similar compliments.

He was asked if he had informed the Lieutenant-Governor of the trick by which he got the seat. The House, reassembling after tea, Messrs. Dunn and Perry took their seats, and the trouble immediately recommenced.

Mr. Cohen, on a question of privilege, complained that Mr. Willis' election was irregular. He was addressing the House when Mr. Willis was inducted to the chair, and noted a motion for Tuesday dissenting from Mr. Willis' action in leaving the chair before the motion was put. ANOTHER LIVELY DEBATE. Received 2.5, 12.45 a.m. Sydney. August 24. The Assembly to-night was extremely lively, though less rowdy than the earlier sittings. Mr. Cohen was constantly interrupted, and was frequently called to order. He concluded by moving that the action of preventing him addressing the House on the election of a Speaker, when in the act of proposing another candidate, was a gross breach of privilege. Other members attacked the Government over Mr. Willis' election debate, and the House adjourned till Tuesday. The Council passed the Address-in-Ro-ply on the voices.