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New Zealand Mail, Issue 1201, 8 March 1895, Page 27

There was a' large attendance at the meeting of the Citizens’ Institute on Monday, when Mr G. A. Schoch read a paper on “ Democracy in Switzerland.’ Mr J\ VV. Poynton presided. The paper dwelt with the defects which the writer believed to exist in the political system prevailing in New Zealand, and gave an account of the Swiss system, particularly in regard to the elective Executive and the Referendum and Initiative. A discussion followed, in which Messrs M. W. Richmond, E. Trogear, A. A. Barnett, I. Gilford and the Hon W. P. Reeves took part. Mr Reeves, whilst speaking generally against the Swiss system, gave it as his opinion that the adoption of the Referendum would become necessary in New Zealand on the abolition of the Legislative Council, which must, he considered, take place before very long. The Referendum would then he thought become necessary as a constitutional check on the House of Representatives, but its application would have to be restricted to certain classes of questions. Mr G. A. Schoch, having replied to the criticisms on his paper, was accorded a hearty vote of thanks by the meeting. The question of open air lectures, &c., was before the City Council last week, when a petition was presented from a number of tradesmen complaining of the incessant noise made by bands and lecturers who had nightly met at the corners of Cuba street, Manners street, and Dixon street. Councillor Barber expressed himself very strongly on the matter, and moved that the city solicitor be instructed to prepare a by-law to meet the prayer of the petitioners. Councillor Penty seconded the motion. The Mayor said he thought the responsibility of keeping the streets clear rested with the police, and he questioned whether the Council had any power to pass such a by-law as was suggested. Councillor Anderson suggested that the Commissioner of Police should be written to and asked for more constables for Wellington. After a brief discussion the motion of Councillor Barber was lest by 6 to 5, and on the motion of Councillor Harris the matter was referred to the Public Works Committee.