POINT OF ORDER

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2287, 22 October 1914, Page 6

POINT OF ORDER

SIR KOBT. STOUT'S PROTEST

LEAVES A MEETING

A somewhat heated disoussion occurred at last night's meeting of the Victoria, College Council in consequence of the introduction of business other than that mentioned in the notice, sent ' to members. On the agenda paper ap-

pearod an item "New Zealand University Amendment Bill," but this had not been mentioned in the notice calling the meeting. Sir Robert Stout asked if they were going to be called upon to discuss such an item without notice. The chairman (Mr. H. H. Ostler) explained that the subject matter of. the item was a copy of a' letter from the Professorial Board to the Minister of Education: He thought there was a covering letter, but it appeared'there was not. The Registrar had, however, been iasked to. bring the matter before the meeting. •'.•:' < Sir Robert Stout proposed that as the letter was "not before the meeting that they, should pass on to.the nest business. '. ...

After some little discussion it was suggested that tho letter came under the heading of /'general ,, ' on the notice received by members, and that #it had beeii before the Finance Committee.. Sir Robert , Stout contended that this was specific business, and that .there was no power to discuss it without noMr. William Ferguson moved that a copy of the letter be sent to those members of Parliament who were members of the council, with a request that they should look after the interests of the college.' Sir Robert Stout raised a point of order, objecting strongly to any further discussion of the question. ■ Mr. Ferguson: 1 think the matter ought to be discussed. It seems absurd to suggest that because the Registrar or 6omeorie else does not put important business on tho order paper that is is not before us. We'ro here to do tho business. Sir Robert Stout: The law ia that j-ou cannot bring forward anything not in tho notice. _ • . Several members pointed out that if the matter were not discussed then there would bo no further opportunity before the Bill passed into law. Further discussion was followed by a reference to the standing orders, which supported tho view taken by Sir Robert Stout that new business could not bo brought forward without notice. The chairman announced that, knowing the manner in which the matter came before the Finance Committee, ho was prepared to rule that it was in order. " . Sir Robert' Stout; 'Very well, this Is the second timo tho standing-ordors have been deliberately set aside, and I shall protest against it by leaving the meeting. ■ • . . After the departure of Sir Robert Stout, Mr. Ferguson moved that tho council discuss the New Zealand University Amendment Bill clause by clause. This was agreed to, and the business proceeded.