MR SPEAKER RULES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 August 1938, Page 4

MR SPEAKER RULES

REFERENCES IN HOUSE TO OUTSIDERS MUST BE TEMPERATE AND MODERATE (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Following on a speech in which Mr F. W. Schramm, Labour member for Auckland East, urged the National Party to curb the activities of women speakers, the Speaker of the House of Representatives (the Hon W. E. Barnard) interrupted the Financial Debate last evening. Mr Speaker said he was not referring to any speech already made, but he thought it wise to state the principles governing the use of language in the House about persons outside the House. He quoted rulings by Sir Maurice O’Rorke and Sir Charles Statham. The latter had said that the language must be temperate and moderate, and those were admirable words. “The proceedings of Parliament today are broadcast,” said Mr Speaker, “and as a result the propriety of criticising persons outside the House comes into sharper outline. The House and the country might at this juncture welcome a direction of what is expected.” The Deputy-Leader of the House, the Hon P. Fraser, immediately rose to a point of order and stated that the Speaker’s remarks, coming directly after Mr Schramm’s speech, might possibly be construed as a reflection on Mr Schramm. x Mr Speaker: “I stated at the outset that my remarks were entirely detached from any speech made in the debate.” Mr Fraser: “Would you say, Sir, that there is no suggestion that Mr Schramm was not moderate and temperate?” Mr Speaker: “I have already replied, and there is no need for me to say anything further.