THE LAW-MAKER THE LAW BREAKER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2157, 13 August 1907, Page 2

THE LAW-MAKER THE LAW BREAKER.

THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS QUESTION. (Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, August 11. An interesting point in connection with the discussion of tile Estimates cropped up while members were considering the vote for public buildings and domains. There was considerable criticism about the infringement of the city by-laws by the Government in connection with the erection of public buildings, a building at Auckland and the Government buildings now being erected here being cited. It was pointed out that in both Auckland and Wellington the Government had commenced to erect wooden buildings within the brick area. The building at the Queen Street entrance to the Auokland railway station so offended the people there that one of the councillors volunteered to head a party to pull it down. The authorities had decided to stop the work, and the building, which the Leader of the Opposition says looks like the beginning of a five-stalled stable remains to the present day without a roof oil it. It Wellington tlio civ-ip. authorities also protested but without result.

Considerable discussion took place on these matters, and then the Leader of the Opposition proceeded to discuss tlie item of Parliamentary buildings, but -was ruled out of order by the chairman on the ground that there had been a discussion on a subsequent item. Mr. Massey asked by what autho-

rity he was ruled out of order, pointing out the importance of the point to members desiring to criticise items of expenditure on tlie Estimates.

After some time the chairman quoted his authority, but Mr. Massey was not satisfied with it, and moved to report progress with a view to obtaining the ruling of the Speaker. This was agreed to, and the Hon. Mr. Guinness having resumed tlie chair ruled that the chairman was in error and that Mr. Massey was perfectly in order in discussing the item referred to.

The discussion was then resumed at the point where it was interrupted by the chairman. Usually in such cases some litle warmth is displayed, hut in this instance the point was debated and settled with commendable absence of feeling.