MEETING OF THE ASSEMBLY.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 223, 17 February 1874, Page 6

MEETING OF THE ASSEMBLY.

( Wakatip Mail telegrams;) On Tuesday, the Wellington Post called attention to the fact that by proclamation on October 10th, Parliament was palled together for that day, February 10. On Tuesday afternoon, a number of members met in the Legislative Council hall, when the Hon. J. Johnson was called to the chair. There werepresent—Messrs Waterhouse, Grace, Phar razyn, and J. Hart. Mr Waterhouse spoke at some length on the importance of proceeding according to due form, in order that their subsequent proceedings should not be reviewed as invalid. Mr Hart quoted important 'caSbs in'the reign of George 111. bearing upon the point, and seconded a motionfor adjournment for a fortnight, which wa* carried unanimously. In the House of Representatives there were present—Messrs Fitzherbert, M‘Lean, Reynolds, Bunny, and Wakefield. Mr Fitzherberfc was called to the chair. Mr M'Lean proposed, and Mr Bunny seconded, a motion for adjournment till yesterday, when the Clerk said that, in consequence of the absence of the Speaker and Chairman of Committees, it was necessary, according to the rules of the House, to adjourn till the following dav.

Mr Vogel then made the following statement to members of both Houses :—The meeting yesterday arose through the non-ap-pearance of an expected proclamation of prorogation. Some weeks ago he intended to further prorogue Parliament; his Excellency advised to that effect, and he (Mr Yogei) signified his willingness to comply with that advice. It was probable the proclamation, of prorogation was signed, but, if so, had miscarried. As a few members attended yesterday some members of the Government also attended.

Since then the Attorney-General’s opinion has been taken, and it is clear the present meetings do' not constitute a session, and as soon as the prorogation can be proclaimed it will be. In the meanwhile, if members in Wellington meet daily, such meetings will not constitute a session, and members will probably, after to-day, not meet—at least, so Government will advise. The AttorneyGeneral, in giving his opinion, says : “I think as the Governor has not met and addressed the two elements of the Assembly, neither element can proceed to business, but must adjourn till they are met by the Governor, and addressed by him. Consequently neither House can sit. Each may meet, but cannot sit and proceed to business. It is held that a complete Act must be passed, otherwise it is no session. To constitute an Act, there must be a Bill passed by each House, and assented to by the Governor. Therefore this wilhbe no session within the meaning of the Constitution Act, and the Governor may safely and properly prorogue to a later date. The time that has elapsed between the date to which the Assembly was prorogued by the last instrument of prorogation, namely, 10th February, and the date of next instrument of prorogation, will not have been a session* although members of each House may have met and adjourned.” The Independent says authoritatively that the proclamation adjourning Parliament till 13th April was prepared weeks ago, and forwarded to his Excellency at Hokitika, where lit now lies. .. . ~ ’ I It is supposed -the Governor is Weather- ! bound in some sound or inlet on the Corpj^.' | The Otago members telegraphed to to-day asking for leave .o£ absence 45o;;Mktd I save their seats in case Prendergait ir’wrhnj.