iron hand

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

a term of Victorian politics. It was a new Standing Order introducing what has since been called the Closure, and was first moved in the Victorian Legislative Assembly on Jan. 27, 1876.


1876. `Victorian Hansard,' Jan. 20, vol. xxiii. p. 2002:

«They [the Government] have dealt with the Opposition witha velvet glove; but the iron hand is beneath, and they shallfeel it.»

1884. G. W. Rusden, `History of Australia,' vol. iii.p. 406:

«The cloture, or the `iron hand,' as McCulloch'sresolution was called, was adopted in Victoria, for onesession.»

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