The Larrikin Parliament.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 256, 5 February 1889, Page 3

The Larrikin Parliament.

•‘I’LL HORSEWHIP HIM.” Sydney, January 21. The closing hours of the Parliament were not allowed to pass without a scene of the customary New South Wales type. This was on Wednesday afternoon last, when there was an exciting skirmish, in which Mr McElhone and Mr Wise played the most prominent parts. The latter made an interjection while Mr Copeland was speaking, and Mr McElhone retorted “Oh, the Government will buy your baby farm at Glen Inner. ” An appeal was immediately made to the Speaker for protection, but Mr McEihone kept up a fusilade of irritating remarks, until Mr Wise, white with passion and scarcely able to speak, said amidst cheers that it wjs an absolute dishonor to have to reply to such a charge, and he would not attempt in that direction, but he would know how to act if it were repeated outside. The Premier and others suggested that a horsewhip be the proper thing to use, and Mr Wise excitedly took up the cue, saying, “"Yes, old as that man is I'll lay the horsewhip across his shoulders if he repeats the statement outside.” When the confusion had subsided the Speaker called on Mr McElhone to withdraw and apologise, and that member complied, but almost in the same breath repeated the offence. A further apology was demanded and made, but Mr McElhone was full of defiance, and dared anyone to attempt to use a horsewhip aS suggested. Mr Wise, who was still in a passion, addressing himself to Mr McElhone, ■aid—“ If you utter such a scandalous lie again I’ll thrust it down your throat.” It was now within a few seconds of tho te i hour, and in order to allow hon. members to calm down the Speaker adjourned the House, A large number of members gathered around Mr Wise, who seemed inclined to carry his threat into execution, and as he left the Chamber a fracai was anticipated, but no hostile meeting took place.