BILLING FROG MARCHED.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1918, Page 7

BILLING FROG MARCHED.

OUT OF THE COMMONS

"THIS IS NOT A COURT OP &AW" SAYS THE SPEAKER.

Mr Pemberton Billing the, member foi East Herts, was suspend from the sittings of the House of Commons last month for disorderly conduct. While he tfas being escorted out of the Chamber into the Members' Lobby by the Sergeant-at-Arms and officials of the House Mr Billing kicked so violently that the attendants had to drop him, but when assistance had been secured he was removed without further difficulty beyond the Parliamentary precincts. The incident arose immediately after the Speaker had called the Clerk to read the Orders of the Day. Mr Billing made repeated attempts to raise a point of order on the question of aliens. The Speaker having pointed out that the subject was ruled out by a blocking motion, Mr Billing asked why this important subject should be ruled out because of a blocking motion. The Speaker: I cannot undertake to instruct the hon. member in the elementary principles of Parliamentary procedure. Mr Billing persisted in addressing the Chair on a point of order. The Speaker: I wish to draw the attention of the House to the continued disorderly conduct on the part of the ihon. member. I call upon him to leave the House. ((Cheers and cries of "Name.") Mr Billing: On a point of order The Speaker: I cannot listen to any further point of order. This is not a court of law. (Loud cheers and laughter.) Mr Billing continued to address the House. His remarks were inaudible amidst the uproar. Mr Speaker: I shall not be shouted down. I warn the hon. member if he does npt carry out my wishes he stands a chance of being suspended by order of the House, and that that suspension will last some time. Mr Billing: I feel it my duty The Speaker: I name you, Mr Billing, for disregarding the authority of the Chair. Mr Bonar Law moved that Mr Billing be suspended from the service of the House. The question was carried with one dissentient voice amidst loud cheers. Mr Billing shouted out something about damned aliens. The Speaker intimated that he would suspend the sitting until Mr , Billing left the House and he would call in the officers of the' House to have him removed. Pour of the attendants then approached Mr Billing. Again the member for East Herts refused all requests to go quietly. Thereupon the attendants seized hold of him and after a violent struggle wrenched him from his hold of the back of the bench, and, gripping him by the legs and shoulders, carried him out into the lobby, amidst the frantic cheers 6f an excited House. The sitting was then resumed.