TO BE RATIFIED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22439, 20 September 1947, Page 3

TO BE RATIFIED

IMPERIAL ACT N.Z. CONSTITUTION UPPER HOUSE ISSUE (P.R.) WELLINGTON. Sept. 20. A distinctly international flavour attached to the early proceedings of the House of Representatives yesterday. The Statute of Westminister Adoption Bill, the New Zealand Constitution Amendment (Request and Consent) Bill, the Diplomatic Privileges Extension Bill, and the Treaties of Peace (Italy. Rumania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Finland) Bill were introduced and read a first time. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. S. G. Holland, said that at first glance the Statute of Westminster Adoption Bill seemed to conflict, with the resolution of the House on the Legislative Council Abolition Bill that a committee be set up. Not To 15c Postponed The Prime Minister, Mr. P- Fraser, said he did not think it was intended to postpone dealing with the Statute of Westminster until after that committee reported. Quite obviously such a committee could not sit while the pressure of the session was on. It would have to sit during the recess. Mr. Holland: So we’re not going to have a go at the other thing at all? Mr. Fraser said lie would be very glad to have the committee set up. but an alteration to the Legislature could not be made until the constitution was amended. He would not say for a single moment that if the statute were not passed, the Legislative Council could not be dealt with—that would be just clouding the issue. He did contend that the best way to do the job was to adopt the Statute of Westminster, as the other Dominions had done, ask the British Government to make an amendment to the Constitution Act, and so have full control. Then Parliament could take whatever action it desired with 'the form of the Legislature. If the Statute of Westminster Adoption Bill were passed the New Zealand Constitution Amendment Bill was necessary, and a bill would be introduced in the House of Commons giving the Dominion full constitutional authority. Will Be Brought Into Line The adoption of the statute will bring New Zealand into line with the other Dominions, remove restrictions which have caused legal doubts and difficulties regarding, for example, the application of extra-territorial legislation and regulations by New Zealand, and clarify New Zealand’s status in the eyes of foreign countries. The Diplomatic Privileges Extension Bill, a consolidating and amending measure,_ exends the ordinary diplomatic privileges and immunities to the United Nations’ Organisation and its officersMr. Fraser said the Treaties of Peace Bill enabled the New Zealand Government to carry out the provisions of the treaties with the countries named. It seemed that the termination of the war and the establishment of peace were more difficult than fighting the war so far as time was concerned.

To consider such matters relating to external and Commonwealth affairs as may be referred to it by the House or Government, the following select committee will be appointed: Messrs. R. M. Algie, P. G. Connolly, F. W. Doidge, S. G. Holland, J. Mathison, M. Moohan, W. Nash, T. C. Webb and the Prime Minister. Mr. Fraser gave notice yesterday of his intention to move the appointment of the committee.