Untitled

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2594, 29 April 1869, Page 2

The Hon. Mr John Hall, referring to the statement made in this journal regarding the draft bill published on Tuesday—that the Government intend to bring it in during next session of the Assembly—says it is “ entirely incorrect.” Mr Hall’s very prompt disclaimer will be gratifying to the public? As regards our own statement, it is unnecessary to say more than that we are credibly informed the bill in question was circulated in London as having been drafted by and emanating from Mr Fitzherbert. The impression produced there certainly was that M - * Fitzherbert, as a member of the Government, intended to bring the bill forward during next session of the Assembly. Mr Hall’s denial seems to imply that Ministers act independently of each other even in the gravest matters, and that they are individually prepared to repudiate the acts of their colleagues. But Mr Hall’s rush to the rescue, or whatever it may be called, suggests dn important question—ls Mr Hall still a member of the Government ? A short time ago it was announced that be had retired from office. His emphatic and ready contradiction of our statement leads to a very different conclusion. It implies that Mr Hall is not only cognisant of the Government policy, but that he still considers himself responsible for their actions. The iniquitous character of the bill may, we think, be measured by the promptitude and emphasis with which Mr Hall has informed the public that the Government do not intend to bring it before the Assembly.