MR. HINE'S CHARGES.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 243, 13 October 1910, Page 5

MR. HINE'S CHARGES.

REFERRED TO THE SUPREME COURT. OJJESTION OF JUBISDICTION. (By Telegraph.— Parliamentary R^iorter.) WELLINGTON, this day. At a meeting of the Hine Committee, held this morning, Sir Joseph Ward said he was of opinion that his motion was in the right direction. Looking at the whole position, he t-hought it was in the interests of. the country that tire matter should be referred to two judges. He spoke of the criticism by the Opposition journals of his attitude in having the committee set up, and said he would have proposed a Commission of two judges at the outset had definite charges been made. Then, again, tbe Committee was not justified in dealing with a member of the other branch of the legisla-J ture. He personally did not desire to participate in the hearing of these matters, but the Government courted! the fullest inquiry. He moved his motion to refer the matter to two judges. Mr. Massey said he favoured this | course, as it had been his opinion from the outset, since the only tribunal free from party was that of the Supreme l Court judges. The order of reference for the new tribunal should be considered. He referred to the Ohinemuri Licensing Commission, which it was found had no jurisdiction, and he asked the Prime Minister to ask the Crown Law Depart-, ment to see if the Commission would have jurisdiction. Sir Joseph Ward agreed to do so. Mr. Massey, continuing, spoke of the discussion in the House regarding the constitution of the Commission, to which Sir Joseph Ward replied, explaining his attitude. As the Government was thoroughly clear on the question, it wanted the fullest inquiry by an independent tribunal. Mr. Allen said Mr. Hine had offered to give the names if the Government would set up a Commission of judges. He asked if any other charges were to be made by members that tbey should be made publicly, as Mr. Hine had had to do. Sir Joseph Ward said if it was found that the Commission had no Hirisdiction, he would introduce necessary legislation to remedy this. As soon as the matter had been referred to the House he would write to the Chief Justice, asking him to appoint two judges. In reply to Mr. Massey, Sir Joseph said he was not going to appear as a prosecutor, but that there were certain matters which were now being inquired into which might result in other charges being made. He could give no further infotmation at present. On the motion of the Premier, it was decided to recommend to the House that a Commission of judges be appointed. Sir Joseph mentioned, as ho was leaving for the South to-night, he would be glad if the discussion on the matter in the House would be delayed till his return. He was particularly anxious to have the Waterworks Bill put through, and it was impossible to deal with both before his departure. Some demur was raised at this, and eventually the Com- I mittee adjourned, the understanding being that the matter would go beforethe House in the ordinary course, Sir j Joseph expressing his willingness to postpone his trip to ensure the matter i being hurried on.