LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7302, 5 December 1910, Page 6

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

A WAIT FOR THE APPROPRIATION BILL. The Legislative Council met at intervals throughout Saturday, fiom 10 a.m. onwards, in the hope of receiving- the Appropriation Bill from the House of Representatives. The Bill was received in tho evening and quickly put through all stages. On the motion for adjournment a number of members took the opportunity of reviewing the work of the session* while in one cne>e strong objection was raised against the practice of some members of leaving Wellington before the Council's work was done. CONGRATULATIONS.

Hearty congratulations were extended by the Hon. W. C. Smith and others to the Speaker, the Hon- Sir Charles Bowen, and to tho Attorney-General, tho Hon. Dr Findlay, upon the unfailing courtesy and ability with which they had carried out their duties throughout the session.

The Attorney-General thanked members for their kindlv references to himself, and said ho wished in turn to thank the Speaker, every member of the Council, and all its officers for the loyal, cheerful and patient assistance he had at all times received at their hands. The Council, during the session, had been subjected to two kinds of criticism. On the one hand it was said that _it exercised two little freedom and individuality in connection with the legislation that cam© forward from another place, while on the other hand members had been told that they had been somewhat unduly interfering with the work of the House of, Representatives. Neither of these criticisms was fair. The Council had shown very considerable regard for the wishes of the House and had only objected to provisions in its Bills when impelled by a strong sens© of public duty. They had not interfered with legislation in any carping spirit, and right through had been able to improve Bills bv what they had done. They had amended some thirty measures and originated twelve, and yet the House had accepted every alteration made. The work done had shown that the existence of the Council was amply justified. _ ' _ Other speakers congratulated the Chairman of Committees, the Hon- W. C. F. Camcross, upon the ability he had displayed in controlling the Council's deliberations. The Hon, Sir Charles Bowen and the Hon. W. C. F. Carncross both briefly replied. A division was called for on the motion for adjournment, and by 9 votes to 6 the Council decided to cease its labours. It rose at 9.30 p.m.