A SCENE IN THE VICTORIAN ASSEMBLY.

Inangahua Times, Volume II, Issue II, 27 July 1881, Page 2

A SCENE IN THE VICTORIAN ASSEMBLY.

On the eve of the defeat of the Berry Ministry there was a scene in the As« sembly, which the Argus describes as one of the most extraordinary and sensational ever witnessed in the Legislature. It took place between the Government and what is known as the Corner party, Mr Mirams, a member of the latter, re* pudiated the Government as traitors, but said be would vote with them, and he, in turn, was repudiated by the Govern* ment. Mr Longmore was as warm in his denunciation of Mr Berry and his col* leagues as was the member for Colling" wood. " I feel almost mean in my vote," said the hon. member in conclusion, ' but I cannot vote against the Liberalism which is being destroyed by the Chief Secretary. If Ministers on'y were con* cerned, I would vote against them, but they have the Liberal following at present, bad as they are. The Ministers present rose as one man to denounce Mr Longmore. " You have not the courage *.o vote as you wish," said Mr A. T. Olark. "We don't want him," called out several Opposition members, and Mr Paterson and Mr Richardson ejaculated together :* We don't either ;' while Mr Yale's feelings were expressed in the epigrammatic word • Coward.' 'It is you that I am thinking of/ said Mr Longmore, shaking his fist at Ministers. ' No,' said Mr Vale, ' it is yourself.' Soon afterwards, when Mr Berry was on bis legs, he declared that the motion was being carried by such votes as those of Mr Longmore and Mr Mirams, ' Why, they are voting for you,' was the cry. ' I do not thank them for their votes,' said Mr Berry •If I felt one half of what they have expressed, not all the money in the world, and not all the seats in Victoria would induce me to do what they are doing to save their political lives. The hypocrites !' continued Mr Berry, amid a roar of applause from both sides ; * they know the motion is carried against the Government, and they vote for us in order that they may save their seats and take portfolios in the new Government. They are the most con« temptible section of the ffouse.'