SCENE IN THE HOUSE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2398, 13 September 1892, Page 2

SCENE IN THE HOUSE.

The stone-walling in Parliament led to a very objectionable scene. Mr Seddon was speaking, when Mr Fergus said to Mr Harkness, who was sitting beside him, “ Hear how he lies.” Mr Seddon called the attention of the Chairman of Committees to Mr Fergus’s offensive remarks, but the Chairman of Committees could not interfere. The words were not spoken in debate ; they were merely remarks made by one member to another, and so the Chairman of Committees could do nothing. Mr Seddon, vexed at having no redress, said if ho had Mr Fergus outside he would do something which would prevent him ever again saying such a thing. These were words spoken in debate, and became an offence at once, and so Sir George Grey moved that they be taken down. The matter was reported to the Speaker, and Mr Seddon made an explanation, and retired to allow the House to consider the question. Mr W. P. Reeves moved that Mr Seddon’s explanation be considered satisfactory, and Mr George Hutchison moved an amendment to the effect that it was not. Mr Fergus denied he used the words “ Hear how he lies,” but Mr Fisher, as well as several other members, said they had heard him. Eventually the House carried the motion exonerating Mr Seddon, and Mr Fergus apologised. It is also alleged that Mr Fergus followed Mr Seddon out of the House and apologised outside to him. By doing this Mr Fergus redeemed his character. By all accounts he used the obnoxious words, and, what was worse, he told a lie himself by denying that he had used them, but in apologising afterwards he made amends. Three members came very badly out of the affair, namely, Sir George Grey, Mr Rolleston, and Mr Hutchison. These three supported Mr Fergus, and ought to be ashamed of themselves for doing it. Even Sir John Hall said that if Mr Seddon said what he ought not to say he got great provocation, and Mr Fisher condemned Mr Fergus. Almost all condemned Mr Fergus, except these three we have named—three renegade Liberals ; three who claim to be respectable—especially Air Rolleston. Yet they supported Mr Fergus. We do not suppose that much value will be placed on their utterances after this. Air Rhodes was also present and supported Air Fergus.