THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1054, 23 November 1903, Page 2

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

SHOULD IT BE ABOLISHED ?

A SUNDAY MORNING DISCUSSION (Per Press Association.)’ Wellington, last night. At 11.20 on Saturday evening the House entered upon consideration of the supplemenary estimates. Mr Seddon referred to his motion that a poll of the people be taken b.y way of referendum as to whether the Legislative Council should (1) remain as at preseat constituted; (2i be abolished; or (3) be mad e eleeitve ; and seated that he would take an early opportunity next session of giving tbe House an opportunity of expressing an opinion on tho question. As tho hour of midnight struck, Mr Millar, Chairman of Committees offered to leave the chair, but objection was raised. Shortly afterward? Mr File drew attention to Standing Order 24, which says that » No sitting of the House shall tako place between 12 o’clock on Saturday night and 2.20 on Monday afternoon.” He protested that it was a most improper thing that the House should continue its sitting on tho Sabbath day. It was suggested that the Standing Order should be suspended, but Mr Millar said the House would have to do that, and tbe Speaker should be called in. Mr GuiDness took his seat, and said he had no right to be called in. At midnight tbo Chairman of Committees should have walked out of the chair and walked into it again at 2.30 p.m. on Monday. Thereupon Mr Millar said that as midnight had been reached he would leave the chair and resume at 2.30 on Monday. At 12,15 the House adjourned.