PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 8 July 1926, Page 2

PARLIAMENT

(BY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASOOCIATIOX THE COUNCIL. WELLINGTON, July 7. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. A Bill was introduced by Hon McGregor seeking to abolish unanimity of the jury in criminal cases and to substitute a five-sixths majority, was read a second time.

Sir K. Mitchelson gave notice to introduce the Gaming Amendment Bill. Hon M. Cohen gave notice to ask whether the Government intends to introduce legislation this session, if possible on lines of the Guardianship of Infants Act, an Imperial measure passed in 1895.

The Council adjourned at 2.55 until 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday next.

THE HOUSE. The House met at 2.30 p.m. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time ; —Nurses and Midwives Registration Amendment Bill (Mr Young) ; Justice of the Peace Amendment Bill (Hon Rolleston). It was explained that this Bill contained a clause which provided that sex was no barrier to appointment as a Justice of the Peace. The remainder of the afternoon session was occupied with discussing answers given l>y Ministers to questions. The evening session was occupied with the debate on Mr Side.v’s Summer Time Bill, when the second reading was carried by 35—18. The Bill was then put through the remaining stages and passed unamended. The House rose at 2.20 a.m. till 2.30 p.m.