‘Mr. G. read—“I see one now.” (Great laughter.)
‘Mr. F..—I have no hesitation in saying that the hon. member meant to say, and I do not think the hon. member is coward enough to deny—
‘Mr. P..—Does the hon. member accuse me of cowardice? Let him come outside and do it.
‘Mr. L.—The hon. member does not accuse you of cowardice.
‘Mr. P.—I know what he means. Let him come outside and say it.
‘Mr. H. called attention to the presence of strangers in the House, and the reporters were again directed to withdraw.
‘Up to our going to press, the House continued to sit with closed doors.’
As I write, the following account of a debate in the House, telegraphed to the Melbourne papers, is brought in:—
‘The Opposition prevented a single item of the Estimates passing last night. During the debate a disgraceful scene took place. Mr. Forster insinuated that the Premier began his public career with perjury. Mr. Martin (the Premier) called Mr. Forster a liar and a blackguard repeatedly. The galleries were cleared, and the disorder lasted for two hours. Mr. Martin’s words were taken down, but the Government members carried the previous question. Mr. Martin then apologized.’
Nor do members always confine their abusive language to each other. It sometimes happens that they bring charges against persons outside the House which those persons have no opportunity of answering, and for which, if false and libellous, no legal redress can be obtained, as the speakers are protected by privilege of Parliament. One of the very best and most valuable institutions of Sydney is the Grammar-school. Unfortunately there have been disputes about its management, and it has its enemies. One day a member rose in the House and charged one of the masters with habitually using expressions of the grossest blasphemy. The accused demanded of the School trustees an investigation. It was held. The charge broke down completely, being supported solely by the evidence of another master who in cross-examination was compelled to confess himself guilty of a string of deliberate falsehoods. Yet no retractation was made, no apology offered.