Niggling

COMMONWEALTH (British Commonwealth of Nations)

The House of Commons passed the week in niggling without result over a profusion of theoretical issues-- such as, for example, an eventually defeated Laborite motion to censure the Government for "lack of enthusiasm in pushing world efforts for disarmament."

The Right Honorable Members, grown restless, welcomed a diversion caused when the electric light circuit of the House was interrupted for more than an hour. The Speaker uttered, for the first time in a decade, an antique command: "Let candles be brought in!" When debate was recommenced by candlelight, jocund Members testified to the inconsequence of the proceedings by blowing out the candles as fast as they were lighted, until it became necessary to adjourn the House while electricians tinkered.