IRISH SENATE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22319, 17 January 1936, Page 9

IRISH SENATE

ABOLITION BILL MEMBERS' LAST STAND SPEECHES IN OPPOSITION AMENDMENT MOVED By Telegraph—l'reßH Association —Copyright (Received January 16, 7.5 p.m.) DUBLIN. Jan. 15 The Irish Free Stale Senate began its last stand against the abolition of the Chamber when the Government's bill framed with that object was debated. Mr. -T. G. Douglas moved an amendment that the Senate, while not acquiescing in single Chamber government, is prepared to agree to the abolition of the Senate as at present constituted if the Dail agrees to an amendment to secure some form of second Chamber. Tlie mover suggested that a committee of both Houses should consider the question. He argued that the country had never given a mandate authorising a bare majority of the Dail to amend articles of the Constitution without reference to the people. If the Senate went then the Dail could abolish any article, even the provisions summoning the Dail yearly and providing for an election every five years. Even the independence of the judiciary was threatened, as formerly a Judge could bo removed by a resolution of both Houses. Mr. John McLouglilan said ho believed Mr. de Valera was making the trench of partition from "Ulster wider and deeper. The debate was adjourned.