Asiatics Restriction Bill.

Opunake Times, Volume V, Issue 191, 3 July 1896, Page 2

Asiatics Restriction Bill.

Wellington, July 1. A deputation from the Women's Social and Political League waited on the Premier last evening to protest against the action of the Legislative Council in throwing out the Asiatics Restriction Bili, and asking him if possible to re-introduce the measure.

The Premier, in reply, said he felt deeply pained at the action of the Legislative Council, the course of whose actions for some years past led one to believe thoy wished to rush to their doom. The question was whether this sort of thin? was to go on any longer. He did not wish to intimidate the Council, but as head of the Government he said the question was whether the Legislative Council would not do that which the people demanded and expected, and what was necessary for the good of the people the Council should not be put out of exntence altogether. Things had come to such a point between the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives that they must find out which was to rule, and as soon as possible he should set. up a search committee to find out what had become of the Asiatic Restriction Bill. The House could not give way, and he would not be doing right if he let matters remain as they were. The Speaker of the Legislative* Council had taken an important course and against every ruling ho had known in political life; and there was no precedent of the castiug vote being given to cast out a measure and not to give opportunity of further discussing it.