"UNFAIR AND UNJUST!"

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 205, 27 February 1912, Page 5

"UNFAIR AND UNJUST!"

REFLECTING ON THE SPEAKER. MORE TROUBLE IN N.S.W. ASSEMBLY. IV Cable—Press Association—Copyright Received 26, 9 p.m. Sydney, February 26. Mr. Levien's motion, reflecting on the Speaker, because of Eis partiality to the Ministerialists and his unfair treatment of the Oppositionists, was the first business of the Assembly. The atmosphere was electric. Before the motion was introduced, Mr. Wood asked if it could be discussed free from any restrictions by the chair. The Speaker asked Mr. Wood to withdraw and apologise. Mr. Wood disclaimed any intention to personal offensiveness. s The Speaker held that it was not a question of personal offence, but of offence to the House. Mr. Wood declined to withdraw, and was removed by the Speaker's order, the Opposition showing strong resentment. The Speaker cautioned two other mem'•bers, and Mr. Levien then moved the motion. Mr. Levien took exception to the manner oT Mr. Willis' appointment as Speaker. He did not think that any Government in this or any other country could show a chair occupied under similai circumstances. He (Mr. Levien), an Independent, had been offered and refused the chair, whilst Mr. Willis, a Liberal, had accepted it under conditions which made his occupancy a matter for sorrow. Mr. W 7 illis had not occupied the chair with the dignity necessary to the position. Essentials were impartiality, fairness and common justice. Mr. Willis had not been impartial, fair or just.