MEMBER AND PREMIER.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 July 1922, Page 7

MEMBER AND PREMIER.

, INCIDENT IN THE HOUSE. PASSAGE WITH DR. THACKER. (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, July 26. When the Prime Minister told the House o-f Representatives yesterday that the financial authorities .in London objected to the State guarantee being placed behind local bodies’ loans, Dr. Thacker (Christchurch East) showed annoyance. He demanded more information on the point and glowered heavily upon Mr. Massey when he did not get it. Presently it appeared that he objected to being looked at, for he shouted angrily: “You are not going to bulldoze me with your bleary eyes!” The Prime Minister rose in protest at once. “I must object to these continued references, to me by the member for Christchurch East,” he said. “They are most objectionable. They are vulgar and rude and unworthy of Parliament.” The Speaker said that the honorable member must not make personal references. Dr. Thacker: “The Prime Minister makes personal references about me and I am equally justified in making them about him. If he objects to my ungentlemanly manner I will object to his. I don’t care two straws.” The Speaker directed the irate member to proceed with his speech. Hon. W. Nosworthy: “He gets more insulting every day.” Dr. Thacker: “That is the sort of remark that conies from one of his lieutenants. If I am coerced he should be coerced.” The member proceed to discuss the loans again. He concluded by saying that he had been trying to discuss important points and had been snubbed by the Prime Minister. The Speaker.* “The honorable member will riot refer to that.’* Dr. Thacker: “It was a gratuitous thing arid I object to that just as much as the Prime Minister.” Mr. Massey: “There was no snub. There wasi no snub intended.” Th*. Thacker was on his feet at once with a point of order. “Is the Prime Minister going to lecture me?” he asked. “Why doesn’t he address Mr. Speaker?” Mr. Massey: “I am addressing Mr. Speaker.” Dr. Thacker: “Yes, and glaring over here.” (Laughter.) The member for Christchurch East made some other interjections, but he subsided gradually.