HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WEDNESDAY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2178, 24 June 1886, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WEDNESDAY.

The House met at 2.30 p.m. Mr Tiilo moved the second rending of the Criminal Code Bill. Mr Mobs would not objoct to the Bill at that stage, but he thought it ivas a wrong tiling to impose duties on (government officials which must bo very distasteful to them. He alluded to flogging. Mr Joyce said there were circumstances in which flogging was necessary, but ho thought it should not be inflicted within the gaol. Mr Hislop thought the Bill had not been sufficiently considered, and there were many sections which merely stereotyped the present state of things. Ho took exception to the criminal libel law laid down in the bill. If they had passed this measure hut session, as asked by Government, a fresh bill would have to be brought down again this year. Sir R. Stout said if the bill had only been brought down this year he could have understood the objections raised. If the House desired to amend the criminal law, they should pass this bill. There was much to be siiid on b >th sides as to flogging. Ho looked forward to the time when it would be safe to abolish it. He pointed out that police supervision would only bo exercised over hardened criminals and not on prisoners convicted for the first time. Sir G. Grey objected to the bill bein? passed without serious cons»ideratian. It should be referred to a committee. Major Atkinson regretted to sco the Government going on with thin bill, as the House had sufficient worl* before it to properly perform this session. The bill was of great importance, and he sympathised with their desire to p»«a it, but if passed at present it would cause considerable confusion in our Courts. He hoped the Government would be content with the second reading, and leave the matter till next session. Dr. Newmin, Messrs Bruce, Fulton, and J. W. Thomson also advocated the bill being postponed this session. Mr Rolleston regretted that the bill had not been introduced earlier this session, but pointed out that some clauses would have to be dealt with, namely, those relating to the protection of young girls. He said the country was looking to the Hou»e to deal with this large social question Mr Tole hoped the Hous«3 would go on with the Bill. He asked what encouragement was it for any member to bring in a reform of this kind if they were met by such dibcoiuafjintr objections as wphj now heaid. The Bill was the result of 20 years' study by the moot eminent lawyers in England, and it was au improvement on the present criminal law. The motion for the second reading wos carried on the voices. Mr Tole then moved that consideration of the several clauses in committee bo dispensed with, except such clauses as contained material alterations in the criminal law and procedure. Agreed ta, with some other clauses added. On the motion of Mr Moss, the Coal Mines Bill was further considered in committee till 5.30 p.m.