LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 217, 12 September 1908, Page 7

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

The Council met at 2.30 p.m. SECOND BALLOT BILL. „,,„ A++ornev-General, in moving lute majority system had been tried in Queensland, but found unsatisfactory- if it had proved otherwise the Government would have submitted an Absolute Majority Bill in preference to the Second Ballot. He deprecated the criticisms of the press on the socalled "gagging" clauses, and defended the clauses in the interests of the candidates. , , The Hon. Mr GEORGE said'that he would support the Bill, but advocated a system of voting by post. The Hon. Mr PAUL, in opposing the Bill, said that the German electoral system was a flagrant disgrace, and to" an educated democracy a byword and reproach as an electoral system. Mr Paul paid a tribute to the press of New Zealand, and adversely Criticised the press of Victoria. _. The Hons Messrs McCardle and Barr supported the Bill, the .latter remarking that certain modifications were '■necessary. . _ The Council ad3ourned. at 5 P-m. aintil 7.30 p.m.