THE SYDNEY BEDLAM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 206, 28 February 1912, Page 5

THE SYDNEY BEDLAM.

ATTACKS ON THE SPEAKER. DEFEATED BY BIG MAJORITY. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Sydney, February 27. Mr. Levien attributed the Speaker's mistakes while occupying the chair to the weakness of overweening vanity. Mr. McGowen declared that the motion was the most serious charge ever made in the New South Wales Parliament. He maintained that though the Speaker had been insulted he had always maintained the dignity of the position. If the chair had been occupied by a man without firmness and dignity the House would have been a Bedlam. The Speaker, replying from the chair, was subjected to continual interjections. He declared that he had always been careful to act in accordance with the Standing Orders, jealous of the honor of the House, and anxious to do justice to all. In so far as he had failed, his failure was due to the frailty of human nature. When he had concluded his speech he called on Mr. Levien to ieply. Several Opposition members wished to speak, and when they were not allowed to do so left the Chamber. The motion was defeated by 34 to 6, only two members of the Opposition voting.