A LITTLE STORM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1590, 31 October 1905, Page 2

A LITTLE STORM.

(Pec Press 'Association.) "Wanganui, last night.

| In criticising the Australian and New Zealand Defenoe Bill, the Hon. Mr Rigg took occasion to refer to the British Government as a “ disreputable ” Government, and was ruled out of order by the Speaker. 'He ohßlleD'ged the ruling when the Council met on Saturday morning. Mr Bigg moved that the Speaker’s ruling was an infringement of the privileges of a member of the Council. In moving his motion Mr Bigg recorded an incident of last year, when he was not permitted to refer to the Chinese labor in South Africa as “ slavery.” This was the second time that he bad to disagree with the Speaker’s ruling. That ruling would prevent members from commenting in a hostile manner on the British Government. This was a serious question. There was no groater privilege than free speech, and if this was to be outtailed in our Legislature we might expeat the ooantry to be subjected to a serious tyranny. He only hoped that what he had said that day would emphasise the necessity of free speech. Mr Oarncross seconded the tnotioD, as he believed that Mr Bigg was quite within his rights. At the.same time be disagreed entirely and absolutely with the views expressed by Mr Bigg. Colonel Pit l , while deprecating any attempt to interfere with free speech, argued that it was improper to refer to the Imperial Government in an offensive tone. Mr Bigg Bhould be permitted to criticise that Government to the fullest extent, bat it should be criticised in respeotfal terms. Mr Millar said that whether the word was disrespectful or not, the Speaker’s ruling should be obeyed. ■ Mr Bigg then said he had not intended to oail for a division, but to let the motion go on the voices. After the AttorneyGeneral’s attitude he, however, would insist on a division. ' -

The motion wag lost by 21 votes to 8.