SIR GEORGE GREY AND THE SPEAKER.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1772, 24 October 1879, Page 3

SIR GEORGE GREY AND THE SPEAKER.

The following extract from “ Hansard” has immediate reference to the question whether in case leave was refused to the Government to introduce their measures, measures of a similar character could bo introduced by tbe other side at a subsequent period of the earns session ;

Mr Speaker—lt is my duty not to allow a resolution to be introduced which is substantially the same us a resolution which has already been negatived during the same session. Therefore Ido not think that another resolution substantially the same as that now before the House can bo introduced this session, if the present one be negatived. Sir G. Grey—Upon the first point referred to you, sir, I would submit that we are an independent Legislature, that we are; acting under a constitution not similar to the constitution of Great Britain, and that we have a right to establish precedents for ourselves. We are quite capable of doing so, and I think wo ought to bear in mind the great crisis in which the colony is at present, with a Government sitting on those benches in defiance of tho wishes of Parliament—

Mr Speaker—l understand the hon. member to rise to a point of order. That being so he cannot proceed to criticise the position of the Government. I would also point out to tho hon. member that we have a Standing Order which says — “ In all cases not hereinbefore provided for, Mr Speaker shall decide, taking for his guide tho rules, forms, and usages of the House of Commons, so far as the same can be applied to the proceedings of this House.” Sir G. Grey—Sir, that is the very point. I deny the application of that rule Mr Speaker—l am bound to follow tho usages of the House of Commons. Sir G. Grey—ln eo far as applicable to the circumstances of this country. I say a question like the present has never arisen in the House of Commons or here, and I think I have a right to bring that point forward. Wo have never before had an address sent to tho Governor in whioh the House declared that it had no confidence in the Government as constituted

Mr Speaker—That is not a point of order. Sir Q-. Grey—The real question before us is, that the liberties of the colony for all future time are to depend upon a technical point of order. I apprehend there must be some way in which I can raiee the discussion. lam perfectly independent myself. I am in no way interested in the change of Government, I am to gain nothing by it myself. That is very well understood. But where I feel a wrong is being done to the whole community Mr Speaker—l must say the hon. member is out of order in addressing these remarks to the House. There is only a point of order before me now. Having decided that point of order, it would not be becoming in me to allow my ruling to be discussed. Sir G. Grey—l will move the adjournment of the House, for the purpose of putting myself in order, and then I can speak to anything, Mr Speaker—No. In moving the adjournment of the House, a member is not at liberty to speak on any subject set down for discussion on the paper. There is that restriction on speaking to a motion for adjournment. The hon. gentleman is at liberty to move the adjournment of the House.