GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Kumara Times, Issue 644, 21 October 1878, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[press agency.] LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wellington, October 19. In the Council last- night, the Disqualification Act was committed and amended, members on Education or River Boards to be excluded from the definition as Civil servants. The Public Reserves Sale Bill, and the Electoral Bill were further considered in Committee. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, October. 19. .In the House last evening, . Mr Barton, on the motion to go into Committee ief)tied fo ; Jiid-e Richmond's letter whieh. had-been laid on the table of .the House by th'e Minis-

ter of Justice. He quoted extensively trom newspaper reports as to the circumstances under which he was committed for contempt, in order to show that Jndge Richmond had' misrepresented the matter. He charged the Judges with having compelled him to stop practice in Courts' at Wellington, alfd with having unjustifiably attacked his honor and truth, accused him of writing anonymous letters (to which he had signed his name), continually interrupted him in Court with disparaging remarks, corruptly favoring his opponents, delaying justice to his clients, and forcing them to bankruptcy. Mr Barton also charged Judge Richmond, in violation of truth from the bench, with misdirecting the jury on quibbles in the trying of a case of his. client until his opponent obtained the benefit of the statute in limitation, and writing the letter on the table of the House directly at varience with truth. Mr Barton concluded by declaring his ability to prove these charges, and declared that he sought no redress from the House, but would leave his vindication to time. A warm debate ensued, in which many members condemned Mr Barton for having made such charges, without concluding with a motion. Others upheld his conduct, as justified by Judge Richmond's impugning his veracity. The Native Minister promised the Government would state on Monday what course they will adopt. The debate was then adjourned. The following bills were passed : Sheep, Harbor, Malvern Water-race, Transfer of Land Amendment, and the Gold-mining Districts. The House adjourned at 1.20 until Monday, at 2.30 p.m.