UPROAR IN PARLIAMENT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 76, 20 September 1911, Page 5

UPROAR IN PARLIAMENT

UPROAR W PARLIAMENT. THE NEW SOUTH WALES BEAR GARDEN. AN UNPOPULAR SPEAKER. Received 19, 8.15 p.m. Sydney, September 19. Mr. Storey called the Premier's attention to the fact that the Speaker (Mr. AVillis) addressed a meeting of his constituents, calling members of the Opposition a band of ruffians. He asked him to ascertain if the statement was made, and, if so, to protect the honor of members. The Speaker ruled the question out of order, on the ground that he could not take cognisance of what appeared in the press.

Oppositionists persisted, but both the Speaker and the Premier declined to •answer.

Mr. Cohen rose and repeated the query, the Speaker repeatedly cautioning him. Eventually he ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove Mr. Cohen. Oppositionisis surrounded Mr. Cohen, and refused to allow him to retire, resisting the Scrgeant-at-Arms and the messengers who had come to his assistance. There was an unprecedented uproar. Several Ministers and the Speaker vacated their places, and left the chamber. Opppsitionists mounted the dais and flung the Speaker's papers after him. PEOPLE APPLAUD PERFORMANCE. CALM AFTER STORM. Received 20, 12.35 a.m. Sydney, September 19. While the scenes in the Assembly were in progress the people crowded in the galleries and clapped and cheered vociferously.

After the expulsions the Assembly settled down to business, and the proceedings were peaceful.

FURTHER PARTICULARS. EIGHT MEMBERS EJECTED. POLICE CALLED IN. INTENSE EXCITEMENT. Received 19, .1.1 p.m. Sydney, September 19. The Assembly adjourned for half an hour. On reassembling the Speaker was reading the Standing Orders when he was interrupted by Mr. Wood. The Speaker ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms and messengers to remove Mr. Wood, who resisted. Several Oppositionists assisted, preventing his ejectment. During the melee, books and papers were hurled towards the Speaker. Suddenly three or four police appeared on the scene, and, after a violent struggle, removed Mr. Wood.

In quick succession, Mr. Speaker ordered the removal of Messrs. Cohen, Fitzpatrick, Price, Perry, Moxham, Levy and Perry, who made a rush at the table and seized a water bottle. The police hustled Perry out. The others went quietly. There was intense excitement while the .ejections were proceeding.