LANG’S APPEAL

Hokitika Guardian, 28 September 1931, Page 6

LANG’S APPEAL

UPPER HOUSE DECISION TAKEN TO PRIVY COUNCIL. QUESTION OF ABOLITION. LONDON. September 16.; The Premier of New South Wales, Mr J. T. Lang, is said to have-briefed Sir John Simon, with a retainer of at least £IOSO, and daily refreshers of £262 each, to plead his case before the Privy Council for the abolition of the Legislative Council of New South Wales. In addition, there will be the fees of junior counsel. The entire cost will be paid in sterling. Sir John Simon is England’s leading counstitutional lawyer. Every effort is being made to expedite Mr Lang’s appeal. The hearing is expected about the middle of October. The Privy Council considers that, as other States are affected, it is only right that their representatives should be beard. If by a certain date the defendants do not present their ease, which they have no.it yet done, an ex parte appeal can be heard three months afterwards.

The appeal is by tbe New South Wales Government against the decisions of tbe State and High Court s that the State Government could not proceed with its bills to abolish tbe Upper House until tbe question bad been submitted to a referendum of tbe electors. The legal move was initiated bv ' certain''OpposlfiorV iiiehibers '"‘oT" ’’’ih'e Legislative Council.