Public Safety

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6839, 21 April 1932, Page 7

Public Safety

Emergency Legislation Passes RULES OF EVIDENCE EXTENDED Per Press Association. AVELLINGTON, April 20. The passing through the House of Representatives of the emergency legislation. introduced by the Government yesterday afternoon was completed in the early hours of this morning, when the Public Safety Conservation Bill was passed without amendment. The Bill will be received by the Legislative Council this morning. No interference With Labour Members

In the course of the committee stage in the House, Mr Forbes, speaking during the discussion on the short title, said there would be no attempt to prevent members of the Labour Party addressing meetings so long as the speeches did not advocate violence. He did not think the right of the Opposition to criticise should be curtailed. Tlierp would be mo attempt to prevent the Labour Party holding meetings and passing resolutions calling upon the Government to resign. He hoped no occasion would arise for the declaration of a state of emergency. As a result of the Auckland trouble a local body had failed to negotiate a loan, the underwriters having broken off negotiations on receiving news of the disturbance. Replying to a question from Mr Fraser, the Hon, J. Cobbe said the age limit for special constables was twenty-one. The riiort title was passed on the Voices a.t 3.5 a.in. The clause providing for the issue of proclamations of emergency was adopted without discussion by 40 votes to 21.

Wider Powers of Court Mr Mason (Labour) moved to amend the clause relating to emergency regulations with a view of eliminating the power given to the Court to admit such evidence ns it thought fit whether such evidence would be admissible or not.

Mr Forbes said the object of the provision was to enable a wider circie of evidence to be taken. It might be difficult in a mix up to get ordinary evidence which was required. He did not think there was anything to bo afraid of as any person charged would bo given the benefit of the doubt..’ The amendment was defeated by 39 to 21 and the clause passed by a similar vote.

Speaking on the clause, which gives protection to persons, acting under the authority of the Act, Labour members urged that the public should not be subje<’ i to the possible eonse- <■ of actions on the T >nrt of irresponsible special constables. Mr Forbes said that, if damage were done by illegal action, there would be redress. The clause was passed by 39 to 21, and the bill was reported to the House at 4.50 a.m. The third reading was carried by 3/ to 21 and the Bill passed. The House rose at 5.8 a.m. till 2.30 this afternoon.

Bill Becomes Lav

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 20. The Legislative Council met at 10.30. Tho Public Safety Conservation Bill was received from the House. In moving the second reading Sir James Parr said the Bill had bco.n rendered necessary by the Auckland disturbance and other facts which had come to the knowledge of the Government. The Government could not stand still while acts of sabotage went on. The Ho:n. Mr Witty said the genuine unemployed had not been responsible for the disturbance. He criticised tho newspapers,' alleging the reports had been exaggerated. The Bill was read a. second time, put through its remaining stages and passed.