Sir Robert Stout's Charges.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XIX, Issue 6048, 13 September 1894, Page 4

Sir Robert Stout's Charges.

BY TELEGRAPH.) (FROM OCR OTO CORRESPONDENT). Wellington, September 12. During the debate in Committee on the Government Railways Bill this afternoon, Sir R- Stout took occasion to repeat that he earnestly desired that the Railways Committee should investigate the charge he had made with reference to the •' black list " compiled by the Cbristcburch branch of the Railway Union, and given effect to by the Commissioners. Some discussion ensued, several members contending that the charges should be set out more explicitly. Sir R. Stout said that his charges were clearly set forth in the Hansard report, and there was no need for him to lodge a separate written charge. Mr Earnshaw said that, if anything, Sir Robert Stout had been too specific in his charges, for, though no names had been mentioned, he (Mr Earnshaw) could identify two persons who were soncerned in the matter.

The Premier said that there was an important principle involved, for it would infringe members' liberty of speech if the Government were to call an inquiry into a statement made in the course of debate. Then he thought it would be wrong to have a formal inquiry whenever a member chose to set ontona" fishing expedition." The Railway Commissioners might have a complete reply to these charges and thus there might be no necessity for the inquiry. Sir R. Stout: " I will not accept their reply." Captain Russell thought the fishing comparison was an unfortunate one, as it assumed that there were fishes about. The Premier said that the mere fact of holding an inquiry injured the parties concerned in the eyes of the public. He twitted several members of the Opposition with a change of front, in contending that it was the duty of the Ministry to hold an inquiry into charges made against the Commissioners, while at other times maintaining that the Commissioners were altogether independent of Ministers. Judging from the tone of the debate members generally are in favor of an inquiry and probably this will be decided upon.