An Editor Before the Bar of Parliament.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 228, 1 February 1894, Page 2

An Editor Before the Bar of Parliament.

[PEB FBKSS ASSOCIATION.] Sydney, This Day. The Legislative Assembly decided to call the editor of the Evening News before the bar of the House. He was summoned to appear there to-night, but declined to answer any questions. A discussion is now going on on a motion to imprison him for a month. The News to-night contains a further sringing article in support of the statements previously made, and accusing members of " rooking " one another at cards. During the discussion on the motion to imprison the editor of the News the Premier endeavoured to have the matter discharged from the order paper, but his suggestion was not agreed to. He pointed out the attempt to examine a witness before the bar of the House, four years ago, only brought contempt on the House whicli had no power to inflict punishment. If more authority was required they should amend the constitution, and ask the Imperal Government to grant greater power to maintain the dignity of the House. Mr Hogue, the editor, admitted the paragraph in question was written by one of the regular staff of the paper, but refused, as a journalist to divulge the name. The House adjudged Mr Hogue guilty of contempt and after a long debate committed him to the custody of the Sergeant-at-Arms and subsequently a motion was carried formally releasing him.