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Friday, 1 November 1912

Senator MILLEN (New South Wales) . - If it serves no other purpose, the speech of Senator Rae is extremely interesting as being an open and avowed declaration of anarchy.

Senator Rae - It was nothing of the kind.

Senator MILLEN - The honorable senator has said here, as plainly as words can convey, that if any individual entertained a bonâ fide, genuine disbelief in the integrity or impartiality of magistrates, that was an excuse for him to disregard their decisions.

Senator Rae - I did not. I said that distrust of the magistracy had been amply justified, and it is a deliberate falsehood for the honorable senator to say what he said.

Senator Millen - I rise to order.

Senator Rae - I rise to order.

The CHAIRMAN - Order !

Senator Millen - I ask first, sir. that Senator Rae should be called upon to withdraw the statement that my remark is a deliberate falsehood.

The CHAIRMAN - Order ! Senator Rae has risen to a question of order.

Senator Millen -i was the first to raise a point of order, and I have a right to be taken notice of.

The CHAIRMAN - I did not hear the honorable senator.

Senator Millen - I cannot help whether you heard me or not, but I was the first to raise a point of order.

Senator Rae - The honorable senator has accused me of saying that any one who does not believe in the magistrates or authorities has a right to disregard any law. If he deliberately states that, it is an absolute falsehood.

Senator Millen - That is not a point of order, sir, but a repetition of the offence.

Senator Rae -i say that it is an absolute and deliberate falsehood.

The CHAIRMAN - Order !

Senator Lt Colonel Sir Albert Gould - I ask, sir, whether Senator Rae is in order in making that statement here concerning any member of the Senate?

The CHAIRMAN - I ask Senator Rae to withdraw the statement that Senator Millen has given utterance to an absolute and deliberate falsehood. I intend to take a further proceeding, but I ask him first to withdraw his statement.

Senator Rae - I will not; because, if Senator Millen repeats the statement, I will say that it is not so.

The CHAIRMAN - I ask the honorable senator to withdraw the statement.

Senator Rae - I will withdraw from the Chamber, sir, if you like.

The CHAIRMAN - I ask the honorable senator to withdraw the statement.

Sentaor Rae. - I will not withdraw thestatement, because it is so. With all respect to you, sir, I would sooner leave the Chamber.

Honorable Senators. - Chair ! Chair!

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