PARLIAMENTARY.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 206, 14 July 1893, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

THE LIBEL LAW. In introducing the second reading of the Libel Bill in the Legislative Council Sir P Buckley expressed the opinion that the w-hole question of the libel law was in a most unsatisfactory state in New Zealand. If the measure which he was introducing became law it would greatly tell in the interests of honest journalism, prevent black-mailing, and deal with slanderers. The Bill passed the second reading. OPANAKI STATION Mr R. M. Houston is pushing the matter of a station and goods shed at Opanaki before the authorities. He wrote to the Minister of Public Works urging the matter aud that official passed his letter" on to the Railway Commissioners. Mr Houston then brought the matter before the House by means of a question, and the Minister of Public Works promised to forward his remarks on to the Commissioners with a view of getting them to carry out the suggestion. CORRUPT PRACTICES BILL. Mr Scobie Mackenzie moved the second reading of the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act, 1881, Amendment Bill, to limit the cost of parliamentary elections. He said the main features of the Bill were, firstly, that all payments at, election time were to be made through the candidate himself; secondly, that a candidate must got a receipt for all moneys expended, except when the amounts are under £1 ; and thirdly, that the total expenses of election must not exceed £IOO- The Bill was on the same lines [as the measure introduced by him last session. The second reading was agreed to on the voices. KAIPARA HARBOUR. An Order-m-Coumeii makes the following by-law in respect of the Kaipara Harbour : Sailing vessels in tow of steam-tug shall pay the same pilotage rates as fixed for steamers instead of those fixed for sailing vessels in schedule to the by-law for the harbour of Kaipara, which was made by an _ Order-in Council dated 19th day of April, 1887CABMAN AND REES BOTH RESIGN. When the Chief Judge’s notes in the late libel case, Cadman v Rees, were placed on the table by the Premier Mr Cadman moved that the notes be printed. In doing so he said he understood that Mr Rees did not intend moving further in the matter. That being so he now challenged Mr Rees to resign his seat in the House, and he (Mr Cadman) would contest the city of Auckland with him. They would 1 ‘ben have the verdict of 30,000 people, and de~ »... ‘ - -natter. Mr Rees said he should be cide the --sign his seat, and to contest most happy to “b i,£ r Cadman. Both the city of Auckland --angr resigning members thereupon signed the i - (j their respective seats.* *