GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1783, 7 November 1879, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. Thuhsday, Noyembeb 6. In the House to-day, 001. Tbimblb gave notice to move that the names of all female ratepayers be plaosd on the electoral rolls. The Pbbicieb re opened the question raised by the Native Affairs Oommitteo, viz., that Worgan, now in Wanganui gaol, should be brought up by order of the Speaker, to give evidence before the Committee. The Premier pointed out that this was a question for the House to deal with, when satisfied if the necessity was sufficiently plain. He wanted the necessity to be explained to the Houee. Hereupon a long debate ensued, Messrs Moss and Speight disagreeing with the position taken up by the Premier. Mr Whit-AKBB went into the whole history of the case before the committee to show that the request to produce Worgan came from a member of the committee only, not from the j petitioner or person petitioned against, and did not approve of a prisoner giving evidence regarding an indictable offence, which afterwards might be used against him. Mr Shbbhin said the prisoner need not give such evidence. Mr Hamlik, chairman of the committee, by permission of the House, explained the circumstances by which it appeared that the prisoner Worgan, now in gaol, and Mr Sutton, a member of the House,were together charged by the petitioner George 3>avey with conspiring to defraud one Ron a Nouat of a large estate, and that the Natives alleged that they had been defrauded, but had no means to prosecute the case before the Supreme Court. Mr Obmond objected to such matters being referred to a Committee constituted as .this Committee was. They hod no evidence as to the bona fides of the case. The prisoner would have been produced before but that the Judge refused, because it might interfere with the prisoner's defence. A political tribunal was not a proper one to try a case like this. In order to test the feeling of the House on this matter, he moved that the Speaker's warrant did not issue until the Committee has first ascertained whether the petition is authorised by the Natives concerned, and that the petitioner has not the means to bring the case before the ordinary Court. Mr Da. Lauxottb detailed the circumstances of the case, saying that he would answer for its bona fides. The Pbbmibb said he thought the reasons given by the Chairman of the Committee sufficient. If the Committee were also satisfied he thought the warrant should i issue at once. A question that could be decided by a Court of law should not before the House, and he was glad it had been raised. If the Committee reported that the petitioner had no means of obtaining redress through want of funds, then the case ought to be taken up. He supported Mr Ormond'e amendment. The debate we* interrupted by 5.30. EVENING- SITTING. The deb .te was resumed regarding the production of Worgin to give evidence before the Native Petition Committee. Mr Tcbn-buli, opposed' Mr Ormonii's amendment. Mr McLean would support the fullest investigation, but did not believe the production of the witn.ss would af&rd them any light. ! Tho charge wbb ton yeara old, and was clearly laid for parly motives. Tawhai wished thesi to produce th> witness. Mr Macandbew disclaimed any bjio. Tho effect of the •unendaLent would be to shelve the quastion for tho- session, and insult the Comaittee who aaksd for the production of this oTicence. Mr-Dick thought from all he heard of Worgan the Committee wosild not believe a word he said when they got him; but if : they wanted his evidence they ought to get him without any opposition Mr Moss denied that aha commiltoe were animated by party bias. Mr Suxtoh aaid he vm prepared to ask f.or a Select Committee to inquire into all tho oiroumslanecs. He learned that afternoon for the first time that UiGre had bean any allusion to the chnsge of forgery. Mr Ormond'e amendment was lost by 34 to 15. In reply to Mr Beeves, tho Peewiee said they could not adjourn the House for the Canterbury Agricultural Show, but would Pboo the Biaemoa at the disposal of members

who wished to go, and ahe would leave tomorrow night after the debate, and return on Tuesday. The Dramatic Copyright Bill passed.