19th C. Official Australian Etiquette

Like the wild, wild west... Official etiquette requires the minister to interpose with a remark something like this: “You had better all retire and have it out, and I will settle with the survivor.”

Australian Parliamentary Fun

If one is to believe the statements of Mr. J. L. Dow, formerly minister of lands for Victoria, parliamentary life in Australia has all the breeziness attributed to the legislative transactions of the western territories of the United States in the early days of settlement. Mr. Dow has put his experiences in shape as a lecture, which be is delivering at various points in the Antipodes. 

A recent report says that he mentions by name a brother member of Parliament, who is paid by the caterer in the government building to make speeches, because his orations drive the honorable members to drink. He describes deputations who visit Parliament, and says that as a rule they contradict one another and a free fight ensues. Then official etiquette requires the minister to interpose with a remark something like this: “You had better all retire and have it out, and I will settle with the survivor.” – Healdsburg Tribune, Enterprise and Scimitar, 1891

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