FRIDAY, JULY 19.

Manawatu Standard, Issue 7059, 19 July 1901, Page 3

FRIDAY, JULY 19.

(Per Press Association.) Wellington, July 19. The House met at 10.30. • DEFA3IATOKY LIBEL. Mi' E. Thompson called the attention of the Government to the recent decision of the Appeal Court in regard to defamatory libel. He asked what they proposed to do in the matter. Mr Seddon replied that the Government looked upon the matter as a most serious one, and recognised the necessity immediately of passing legislation to meet the situatiou. BILLS EEAD A FIHST TIME. The Land for Settlement Act Amendment Bill and Government Advances to Settlers Bill were introduced and read a first time. .- HEFEBENDUJI BILL. On the motion that the amendments made in the committee in the Eef erendurnßillbe adopted. Mr Pirani moved an amendment that the Bill be recommitted for the purpose of considering a new clause to provide that the polling on questions referred to the Eef erendum be considered through the post. Mr Seddon opposed the proposal on the ground that it would be an interference with the secrecy of the ballot. Along debateensiied. Several speakers contended that the Referendum Bill was not the proper place for Mr Pirani's suggested amendment, and that it should be inserted in Electoral Act. Eventually the amendment was rejected by 54 to V 3, and the amendments made in the Bill in Committee agreed to on the voices. The Bill then passed its final stages. The Police Offences Amendment Bill was read a third time andpassed. The House rose at 12.45.