THE MEIKLE ACQUITTAL BILL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 6 November 1907, Page 2

THE MEIKLE ACQUITTAL BILL.

STRONG OPPOSITION IN THE HOUSE. Per Press Association. Wellington, Monday. When the House of .Representatives met this evening the discussion in committee on the Meikle Acquittal Bill was begun. '' Ml- Poland said he did not agree with th« title of the Bill. He moved an amendment, ''Thai the title l>e alteied c to 'Wrongly Convicted Persons Bill. This would, he said, allow of others situ- I ated similarly to Meikle, or as he was i alleged to be situated, being considered i under the Bill. The Premier said ho could not accept i the amendment, as the Bill was introduced to give effect to the Commissioners' recomnu ndation. Mr. Herries asked the Premier if he intended to go on with the measure, or would he give way as on a lormer occasion? He thought the Bill a just one, and one that ought to go through. Mr. Baume urged that the Bill should be allowed to go through. The Bill, lie contended, carried out the Commissioners' recommendations. Mr. Remington said the Government was not giving effect to the Commissioners' recommendations to make a general measure. He urged the Premier to withdraw the Bill and bring down a general measure next session. Mr. Heke, in supporting the amendment, said there was not a member who would not support a general measure. Mr. Lawry contended that the Bill was wholly against the recommendations of the Commission, which were in favor j of a general measure. Mr. Flatman contended fiiat the Commissioners should have finally settled matters so that there would have been i no necessity to bring a Bill before Pari liament.

Mr. Remington said it was remarkable that there were only members of the Opposition (Messrs. Reid and Allen) in the House whilst this important measure was being discussed. On other occasions the Opposition had twitted Government members with failing to discuss measures before the House, and had complained that they (the Opposition) were left to do the work of the country. The Premier said he was not surprised at Mr. Herries' speech, and he would reply to it at the proper time. The Bill had been introduced by the Government with a desire that it should go through. He combatted the statement that tho

measure would be improved it made general in character. Meikie's name could not be actually eliminated from the records. A committee to be set up would inquire into the question of compensation. Mr. Remington: "The man says he will not be satisfied even if you give him £15,000." The Premier, continuing, said he did not care what he (Meikle) said. He was only carrying out his duty. Mr. Parata asked what the Government were doing in bringing down this Bill after Meikle had accepted compensation. Mr. Ngata moved to report progress. The Premier suggested that a vote should be taken. lie was not in favor o: reporting progit'ss. The motion was negatived by 10 votes to 18. On the motion to adjourn, Mr Hogan said the House had again been treated to a solemn farce, but if the Bill had been drafted in accordance with lie Commission's recommendations that it should ,be general in its terms, there would liavo been less opposition. He hoped the Bill would be withdrawn and put forward in proper form. Mr Lang sympathised with the Premier in the unfortunate position he was placed in, having been deserted hy his supporters. The House aajournd at IBS ft.m. ARBITRATION COURT. BALANCE OF FIXTURES. Per Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. A number of breaches of award cases were dealt with by the Arbitration Court to-day. The following are the fixtures of the Arbitration Court to the end of the year:—2oth November, at Napier; 26th November, at Palmerston North; 30th November, at Blenheim; 3rd December, at Wcstport; 6th December, at Greymouth; 10th December, at Chris tchurch. WORKERS' REPRESENTATIVE. Dunedin, Last Night. The Tinsmiths' Union has nominated Mr. J. A. MeCullough as the workers' representative on the Arbitration Court, and Mr. W. T. Young as acting-member.