THE RIGHTS OF THE PRESS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1539, 7 September 1912, Page 5

THE RIGHTS OF THE PRESS.

REPORTING OF PARLIAMENT-

NEW SOUTH WALES AND ITS TSAR. MR-WILLIS STILL ACTIVEBy TelcKro-pli—Press Afisociation-Coru-rielit Sydney, September ti. Tho debate on Mr. Huiimin'g motion to abridge the powers of the Speaker with respect to the exclusion of the press was continued in the Legislative Assembly last night. Mr. Holman's proposal is to leave the Speaker to provide what accommodation, he pleases for tho press in tho galleries, but to' amend tho Standing Orders by resorving to tho House itself the power of excluding the press. Mr. Waddell said his experience was that tho great dailies, whatever their political opinions, generally gave everybody a fair deal. The "Daily Telegraph" had done iioblo work for the country, and, with its morning contemporary, had exercised a bettering inllnenco in regard to all tjio best literature that was read. Mr. Wood pointed out that this was tho third occasion on which the present Government had interfered with the Speaker's powers. The proposal meant that the Speaker could, with the consent of the House, place himself in opposition to the House. Mr. Cohen was unable to follow tho argument that the press had no right to bo in the gallery. Tho custom had been operating for 200 years, and an established custom was just as strong rs the law. Other members urged that tho proposal would not improve matters. An amendment by Mr. Griffith (Minister for Public Works) was adopted, inserting in the commencement of the motion the words "representatives of registered newspapers shall be admitted to tho Press Gallery during the sittings." An amendment moved by Mr. Ferns, enabling the Speaker to put tho question after thirty minutes, was carried by 35 to 33 votes. Mr. Holmari, replying to the contention tllat tho motion was unnecessary because power already existed, said the Standing Orders did not confer power. They were only the manifestation of a power which had always existed. In the Housb they did not want a full debate when a newspaper representative desired to enter the House; what was desired was a Standing Order applicable to all cases. At present the press were not recognised in the House; any right they possessed was based on-custom, which was very precarious, and might be changed at any time. He wanted the House to say that the press had a right to be present, instead of depending on custom or the Speaker's favour.

,Mr. Holman's motion, as amended, was carried by 37 votes to 30.

ANOTHER EJECTION. SPEAKER OBDERS POLICE TO BE : CALLED. Sydney, September 6. While Mr. J. T. Cusack, Labour member for Queanbeyan, speaking in tho Legislative Assembly, was quoting extracts, Mr. Wood, member: for Bega, rose to a point of order. Tho Speaker (Mr. Willis) said Mr. Wood was making a speech. Mr. Wood objected , to that statement. Mr. Willis ordered Mr. Wood to be seated, and characterised him as disorderly.' Mr. Wood said he. declined to bo called disorderly when he wns not disorderly. Mr. Willis then ordered Mr. Wood's removal. When the Sergeant-at-Anns touched Mr. Wood on the arm, Sir. Wood exclaimed, "I will go out of deference to the House, but this won't continue for ever." Hβ remained standing for a few moments, and then declared: "I don't , think yon are going to use force." Mr. Willis ordered the to summon the police to remove Mr. Wood, but the latter departed quietly.