LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 December 1918, Page 8

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

SEDITIOUS LITERATURE. Wellington, Last Sfiglit. The Council met at 2.30. In reply to a question, Sir Francis Bell said the Minister [or Customs and the Attorney-General thought it was no longer necessary, now that an armistice was concluded with Germany, to exercise the powers of censorship to the extent formerly required, and that the greater part of the literature detained by the Customs will he set free for circulation shortly after the conclusion of the session. A few hooks and pamphlets, which grossly transgress the rule against charges of immorality of celibates, must continue to be prohibited, together with books and pamphlets advocating violent sedition. Until peace wan finally established, it would he necessary to make a selection of documents to bo still detained, and this prevents the immediate liberation of the rest.

BILLS DEALT WE The Aviation Bill and Reformatory Institutions Amendment Biil were passed in their final stages. The War Legislation Amendment Bill was committed and. passed v.-itli the following new clauses:—(l) Enlarging the powers of the Commissioner of State Forests; (2)' Empowering the University Senate to take steps to avoid lid-dships inflicted on candidates for examination, or students, by the epicemie. and to make provision for the granting of degrees without examination, (3) empowering the Governor-General to make general harbor regulations fo? safety on the water-front and on ships. ■ The Licensing Amendment Bill was introduced. Sir Fracis Bell stated it wm proposed to reinstate the provision empowering tile appointment of r.n asscsor on the Compensation Courts to represent the views of the claimants. The Hon. 0. Samuel protested agamst the introduction of suc!i a Bill at the present time. . The Bill was road a second time, ana the Council adjourned at 5.1.5