DEFINITE CHARGES AGAINST TWO MEMBERS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1662, 19 November 1887, Page 3

DEFINITE CHARGES AGAINST TWO MEMBERS.

Sir J. Vogel sent the following telegram to one of his supporters in Christchurch: have insufficient information, I may tell you that my reference to intemperate habits on Tuesday was not to members generally, but to two members only. Last night I said I withdrew the remarks only because they were not made at a suitable time. I also made it clear that I regarded the quarrel as one between the Speaker and myself only; that I regarded his conduct in asking the Premier to move a resolution as unconstitutional ; and that the fact that the Premier had to entirely alter hia resolution, and begging and praying me to effect a compromise, spoke for himself of the difficulty he had in getting supporters. The resolution which was passed I denounced as entirely wrong because it pretended to recognise that the Speaker’s action was justified. I announced my intention of taking the opinion or the House on six different points of the Speaker’s ruling. It is my intention to bring these points before the House. I shall not mix up the drunkeness with them. It is probable also I shall take civil action against the Speaker; I am taking legal opinion on the subject. The point is whether I ought to have resisted with physical force when he ordered me out of the House. I should think the Qovern- ' ment will he compelled by the force of public opinion to deal with the drunkenness. It is said they entered into a most improper contract. If it was not that I am engaged on the Midland Railway Committee on Friday, I would, I think, go down to address my constituents. If you think it desirable, I will try to go down next week. You can make any use of this you like,” The correspondent of the Otago Daily Times says: —“ Sir George Grey is strongly of opiaion that the dignity of the House requires that the charge? made by Sir Julius Vogel against the two members should be ventilated, and he informed me to-day that he intends to bring the matter up if no other member will. As to-morrow is a Government day, this ugly business is likely to he raked up again, and it is not improbable that other unedifying scenes will ensue.”