THE GREY SEAT

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 159, 25 March 1918, Page 6

THE GREY SEAT

AND MR. WEBB'S OFFENCE

CROWN LAW OFFICERS' DECISION

Some doubt has been expressed as to whether Mr. P. O. Webb, who has. been sentenced to imprisonment for two years, is to lose his seat in consequence. Section 30 of the Legislature. Act is in point on this question. The section runs as follows: —"The. seat of any member of Parliament shall become vacant ... if bo is a public dcfitultor or is convicted ot any crime punishable by dentil or by imprisouineiii with hard labour for a term of two years or upwards."

The question is as to the meaning of the word "crime" in this section — as to whether the ofFeitec of which Mr. Wehb is convicted is a crime within the meaning of the section. It is understood that there, is conflict of authorities on the point. The Inn , officers of the Grown have ndvisctl that the military ofTence of which Webb has been convicted is not a "crime" within Ibo meaning nf the Beetion.

A leading Christclmrch lawrer, who, according to the "Star," went into the nuestion on Saturday, gave an opinion that the sentence does not affect Private Webb's Parliamentary position, but that if he. while serving a sentence, is awav from Parliament during the whole of a session without the. leave of the House, ho ceases to he a member.

A sub-section of the Legislature Act provides that a member's Beat becomes vacant,

If for one whole session of the General Assembly he fails, without

permission of the House, to give his attendance in the House.

It re&is with the House to say whether Mr. Webb should be given leave or not. According to this opinion, if the House refuses leave st the session next month, Mr. Webb's .seat wilKbecomo vacant.