DRAFTING A BILL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3003, 4 October 1911, Page 41

DRAFTING A BILL.

WELLINGTON, September 29. A discussion on the administration of the Crown Law Office, which took place in the House of Representatives in Committee of Supply this afternoon developed into a desultory commentary regarding the employment of Mr A. £'. Adams, of Dunedin, to draft the Licensing Bill of last session, and the payment of a fee of £396 6s 6d to him. - Mr Malcolm said that there was a presumption among some people that the bill was prepared practically under the instructions of the No-lioense party. The E[on. J. A. Millar said he understood that Mr Adams was asked to prepare a bill on the lines that had been virtually aigreed on by the two parties as the best solution of a very troublous question. <"-•.'• - Mr Herries remarked that compared with the drawing up of the. Native Land Act the drafting of a Licensing Bill would be child's play. It was in bringing the contending parties together that tact was called for. Air Isitt commended the judgment of the Government in entrusting the preparation of the bill to Mr Adams, who possessed the intimate knowledge of the licensing question to enable him to prepare a satisfactory measure. One of hie consti-

tuents had asked him if there was not eome unholy swindle in connection with this fee. Mr leitt maintained that it was quite in accordance with wliat would be charged by responsible legal men.