THE MEIKLE BILL

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2230, 6 November 1907, Page 1

THE MEIKLE BILL

Special to Times. WELLINGTON 4. The House last evening discussed the Meikle Bill at length. Several members had expressed their intention of blocking the Bill if they had to remain in tho Hoqso till Christmas.

Mr. Remington, at twenty mniutes past eight, drew attention to tho fact that there were strangers in the gallery, and moved that they be asked to retire, (cries of “no, no,’’ and “too early”). Mr Remington’s object- in clearing the galleries was with a view to his reading evidence that it might not he desirable for those present, especially women, to hear. Tho motion was lost on the voices. Mr. Remington said tho responsibility in tho matter must rest with the Committee. Several members urged that tlio Bill should ha made a general Bill and nob one dealing specially with Mcikle. After supper an endeavor was made to obtain a count out, the Bill having been rung for tlio customary timo and only eighteen members then being present tlio Chairman (announced that there was nob a quorum. Tho fact was reported to tho speaker upon liis taking the chair, but in tho meantime two members had strolled in, and tlio Speaker ordered tho House hack into committee. Mr Parnta then entertained the few members present by a speech in Maori. Ho accompanied his remarks with vehement and somewhat grotesque gesture, and as there was no interpreter present a point of order was raised as to whether an lion, member could use a language that the great majoriy of tho House could not understand. ’ Tho Chairman said the lion member had tho privilege of addressing the House in tho Maori languago. Then Mr. Ngata, another Maori member, apropos of Mr. Parana’s gestures wanted to know if tho lion member was in order in dancing a war dance. So far as tho Chairman could fjeo Mr. Panata was not doing anything out of the ordinary. At this point Mr. Barclay, the interpreter, arrived and shed light upon the darkness.

A dreary discussion with much reading of the evidence taken before the Royal Commission followed.

Press Association. WELLINGTON, Nov. 5. After midnight Mr. Ngata moved to report progress. The Premier suggested that a vote should lie taken. Ho was not in favor of reporting progress. He recognised that there was opposition on tho part of some members of the House who were, however, quite within their rights in discussing the measure. Mr. Hornsby, in supporting the

motion to report progress, pointed out that ho had. asked Mr McGowan for certain information which had not been given. For that reason ho hoped the committee would agree to report progress and to admit of further information being quoted. 'Tho motion was negatived by 19 to 18.

At 1.15 Mr. Remington moved that tho Chairman leave tlio chair.

Negatived by 21 to 8. Mr. Hainan moved to report progress. Carried by 19 to 14. Progress was reported accordingly. On tlie motion to adjourn, Mr. Hogan said the House bad again been treated to a solemn farce, but if the Bill bad been drafted in accordance with the Commission’s recommendation that it should be general in its terms there would have been less opposition. He hoped the Bill would be withdrawn and put forward in proper form. Mr. Lang’ sympathised with tho Premier in the unfortunate position ho was placed in, in having been deserted by his followers. Mr. Hornsby defended liis action over the discussion, and reiterated that ho was in favor of a general Bill. Tho House adjourned at 1.55. 11l the House- this afternoon the Premier, referring to tlio Meikle Acquittal Bill, said Cabinet was considering the matter, and bo would lna-ke a statement in regard to tho Bill to-morrow (Wednesday) night