The Crimes Bill

Press, Volume C, Issue 29672, 16 November 1961, Page 7

The Crimes Bill

Sir,—The “strong protest against any policy tending to withdraw legislation from public scrutiny by ‘rush legislation’ ” made by the Canterbury Council for Civil Liberties has been fully justified. Except as regards the “hanging” clause. the massive Crimes Bill, deeply affecting the liberty of the citizen, has been passed in a manner which has virtually stifled any public discussion of its highly contentious clauses. They were not even debated by Parliament, but ■were handed to a committee. Back from the committee the bill was hastily put through .its second and third readings and so passed. This is just not good enough for a bill which "is to serve the country for many years to come.” —Yours, etc., LIBERTY. November 15. 1961.

Racecourse Catering Sir,—During my visits to the races at both Riccarton and Addington I purchased from the cafeterias eight sandwiches and one Cup of tea for 4e. The sandwiches were made from what are known as midget loaves, and I doubt if four slices of bread were used in the making. What a comparison in quantity and price with Forbury Park and Wingatui, whtere a two-course meal with ' tea, bread and butter can be obtained for ss! Do the racing authorities have control bf the catering, or are they just interested in the amount of public money that goes through the tote? It is time that some of their members visited Dunedin for a race meeting to see what is being supplied by the caterer there and then put their club catering in order.—Yours, etc.. ST. CLARITE. November 13, 1961.