STIRRING UP MUD.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3871, 28 July 1891, Page 2

STIRRING UP MUD.

Breach of Privilege.

[Fbom Hansard.]

In the debate en the Breach of Privilege case in the House, Mr Ironsaud Smith was pleased to say: —As for myself Ido not care ; but J kuow that politics are at the bottom of these articles. I know that before an election these articles are inspired for the purpose of destroying the chance of people obtaining seats here, and when the persons they objected to are here the articles are inspired for the purpose ot destroying the chance of the same members being returned at the next election. I should like to see the motion go a little further so that when these writers publish damaging statements we could find out whom they mean. I read an article the other day in which it was said that some members of Parliament on board a railway train acted in such a disgraceful manner iu front of ladies that they thought Bellamy's was on board. Well, I do nos want to be connected with that sort of thing, and I should like the writer to point out who were the members that were bringing disgrace upon this House. Now, Sir, an article appeared on these same lines, and is posted up in a room here, in which it 'is reported that some statements were made from a public platform by a minister of religion. I ask honorable members to go and read that, and I ask whether they should note ill upon that miuister to prove or disprove his statement. He has stated publicly, and it is recorded in the public prints, that in the town of Wellington, at a public dining-room, language was used by some members of this House that was so filthy and disgraceful that the other men who were sitting there had to get up and clear out. I should like that man to be called on to prove who those members were, because I am quite sure I was not one of them. Now, I say this: that since I have been returned to this House, and have been about this building, I have seen nothing bat what is really of the very highest order—

An Hon. Member.—Hear, hear. Mr E. M. Smith. that is jvith one exception. Do not " Hear, hear," too quickly. Before I came to this House I heard such a description of Bellamy's that I thought it was something horrible ; but when Igo back to my constituents I shall have to tell theoa the way that institution is con* ducted.