FEDERAL CONVENTION.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXII, Issue 6870, 21 April 1897, Page 1

FEDERAL CONVENTION.

(By Electbic Telegbaph—Copyright. ) (pee united press association.) Received April 20, at 9 p.m. Adelaide, April 20. The morning was occupied over the method of removal of Judges from the Bench. The Bill provides for the removal upon an address from both Houses. Sir J. Downer suggested that a Judge be impeached by the House and tried by the Senate, a two-thirds majority of the latter being required to secure a conviction. The suggestion was not acted on. The clause was amended by specifying misbehaviour and incapacity as grounds for removal. Received April 20, at 9.30 p.m. Adelaide, April 20. This afternoon an amendment to abolish finality of appeal to the High Court was defeated by three votes. Mr Abbott quoted a letter written by the late Mr Justice Richmond, New Zealand, to Sir Henry Parkes during the 1891, Convention urging the retention of appeal to the Privy Council. Mr Carruthers regarded the proposal to dispense with appeal to the Queen as the first step towards separation from the Mother Country. The arguments advanced by Judge Richmond were arguments which could not lightly be laid aside. The judicature clauses passed without important alteration. The concluding chaoters of the Bill dealing with Stales are now under discussion.