THE CONSOLIDATED STATUES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2259, 3 August 1908, Page 2

THE CONSOLIDATED STATUES.

an uncomplimentary PARAGRAPH. THE COMMISSIONERS CRITICISED. [Special to “Times.”] WELLINGTON, August 1. -Many members and officers of both Houses of Parliament are very indignant because of a paragraph in the report of the Commissioners appointed under the Reprint of Statutes Act 1805 (Sir Robert Stout, Dr. Fitchott, and Mr. W. J. Reid). The paragraph seemed one of such unnecessary harshness that it was generally ignored by the pressmen engaged in reporting ill Parliament House. In view of the discussion that took place in both houses yesterday, lit is, however, .now necessary to refer to. It reads as follows: “At the outset, too, we were entangled in much needless labor owing to the suggestion of the Government that wo should adopt a printed volume of consolidated statutes that had been prepared by our secretary. Air. Jolliffe, in his capacity of law draughtsman. We took this volume, but found it a hindrance instead of a help. It was more of tlio nature of a code than a consolidation, although in itself ail excellent pioco of draughtmanship. We found that Air. Jolliffo had given himself a latitude far in excess of anything authorised by the Act unr>r which we were anpointed, and in smarting from the language of the .st'tute ho had, in many instances, departed from the low. Even where alteration in language did not necessarily result in altering the law. we found that in many of his Acts, particularly those dealing with mercantile contracts, such as the Bills of Exchango Act, tlio Chattels Transfer Act. aiid others, the provisions of which are the subject of legal decisions, there were changes which we could not allow to stand. AVo liad, therefore, to spend much more time and trouble in revising and restoring the text. Moreover, as was natural, Air. Jolliffo did not enter very heartily into tlio task, and it was not until we were well outside the range of his volume that we obtained the full benefit of his services. TV© are glad to say, however, that when this point was once reached he co-operat-ed loyally in our work, and we find his skill as a draughtsman, both in language and arrangement, ot the greatest value to us. Speaking in the House yesterday afternoon on the Consolidated Statutes Enactment Bill, the Prime Alinistor deprecated some or the comments made in the report of the Commissioners regarding the work done by Mr. Jolliffe. While they did Hot know tlio whole circumstances, lie felt sure that members appreciated the work done by Air. Jolliffe. AYhile the Commissioners had given praise to him in one nart of the paragraph, they bad taken away praise in another part of it. He felt sure he was only voicing the general recognition when he referred to tlio • good and zealous work done by Mr Jolliffe. The Prime Alinister’s remarks were received with a chorus of “Hear, hears.”

Mr. Alas-ey referred to the same matter. He thought the reference to Air. Jolliffe in the report of the Commission 'was inadvisable, unnecessary. and paltry. (ITon. members: “Hear, hear.”) It was a paltry attempt to belittle the good work done by Air. Jolliffo. (“Hear, hear.”) Air. Jennings: It’s the same old game, the same old game; the man who does the work is neglected. Air. Al'assey: I feel very strong about this, and. I don’t want to say anv more.

Mr. Hanan also deprecated the rematte of the Commission about the work of Mr. Jolliffe. The work had been a labor of love with him. The remarks, no doubt, owed their origin to a desire on the part of some people- who wished to do Mr. Joliffe opt of some extra remuneration that his labours undoubtedly merited. (“Hear, hear.’”) He hoped -a vote would the placed on the Estimates in recognition of the splendid services ho had given to Parliament and the country in assisting in this work. (Hear, hear.) In tho Upper House, various Councillors spoko very strongly about tho paragraph. Hon. J. Eigg said Mr. Jolliffe was really the author of the work. He declined to believo the statements made in the report of tho Commissioners. He- attributed the reference to professional jealousy, and regarded it as a slander. lion. E. C. J. Stevens also spoke strongly on the matter. He said ho had never known a public officer attacked in- the form of a charge laid before both Houses of Parliament without (having an opportunity of putting his side- forward. Ho very deeply regretted that such an occurrence had taken place Hons. Kelly, Jenkinson. Jones, Loughnan, Thompson, and others spoke, and there appeared to be a general feeling that the report should be referred buok ito tho Commissioners for amendment.

Tho Attorney-General bore witness to Mr. Jolliffo’s courtesy, industry, and ability, but ho added that no member had a right to say that tho Chief Justice, the Solicitor-General, and tho ex-Solicitor-General had committed tho offence of slander, as asserted by Mr. Kigg. He was, not prepared to let that pass. Mr. Eigg had imputed tho motive of professional jealousy to. the Commissioners, and the Council should not lot that go forth without protest. (Hear, hear.) Tho charge was not deserved, and was not one that any lion, member should ma'ke. As to‘whether the Commissioners’ reference to Mr. Jolliffo was couched in language that was desirable and fair was entirely a different matter. Ho (Dr. Findlay) would have liked to see Borne fuller and more generous recognition of Mr. Jolliffe’s services. (Hear, hear.) He had not included Mr. Jolliffe in his congratulatory reference to tho work of the Commission because lie avus in this connection the secretary to tho Commissioners, and it was for them to speak of his services. Much of Mr. Jolliffe’s volume was excellent, hut that gentleman would bo the fust to admit that it included clauses that went beyond existing law, though these tilings might be desirable to amend. Mr. Eigg explained that he did not mean that the paragraph about Mr. Jolliffe was a slander in the legal sense, but lie believed it was not true and would so believo whoever signed it. It was the meanest statement ho had ever seen in a public document. He bad suggested the motive of jealousy as tho least offensive he could think of.