Page 1904 - Week 06 - Thursday, 2 May 1991
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Mr Jensen: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I understand that Mr Berry is not speaking to a motion of dissent; he is seeking leave to move a motion of dissent.
MR SPEAKER: No. I believe that he is correct in the approach he is taking, Mr Jensen.
Mr Jensen: Well, on that basis, Mr Speaker, what motion is Mr Berry speaking to?
Mr Connolly: A motion of dissent from the Speaker's ruling.
MR SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Jensen: There is no written motion of dissent.
MR BERRY: I have not had a chance to speak yet.
Mr Kaine: He had better give it to us in writing if he is going to move a motion of dissent.
MR BERRY: I move:
That the ruling be dissented from.
MR SPEAKER: For clarification, Mr Berry has moved that there be dissent from my ruling on the use of the word "furphy". That is now open for debate.
MR BERRY: Mr Speaker, "furphy" was derived from a firm in Victoria, Furphy and Sons Pty Ltd.
Mr Moore: Spelt like Murphy, but with an "F".
MR BERRY: Yes, that is the one. They operated a foundry at Shepparton in Victoria and they manufactured water- carts, for those who do not know.
Mr Kaine: Are you giving us a history lesson?
MR BERRY: We have to give you lessons, you see. The name "Furphy" appeared on those carts. The word "furphy" has earned the reputation of meaning a rumour or an inaccurate report, an absurd story. It appeared in Gallipoli, where the furphy, or the water-cart, delivered water to the servicemen fighting there. It was a way of conveying information between one group of fighters and another on Gallipoli. It merely means that what has been said by one member or another in this place is a rumour. It is a rumour. It is certainly not unparliamentary, Mr Speaker. I think it is most inappropriate that you should declare it so. That is why I have moved dissent from your ruling.
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