OUR PARLIAMENTARY LETTER.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2875, 12 June 1882, Page 3

OUR PARLIAMENTARY LETTER.

[From Our Own Correspondent.]

Wellington, June 10.

I think politics must come under atmospheric ,The weather has been dull and wretched all the week, till yesterday, when there was a show of clearing up. The week’s proceedings in the house have therefore been of a dull, wretched character; till last evening, when they were considerably enlivened by Sir George Grey and his little pet Bills. People ceased to take an interest in Peace Presevation and the Indemnity Bill. The Financial Statement could not be delivered, in the absence of the Treasurer through ill-health; so that it was a relief to find Sir George had no less than three Bills on the Order paper, which would insure at least three interesting speeches from him, and so far there was no disappointment. The Law Practitioners Act is the same as that introduced by Sir George two Sessions since, and which, at that time, drew down the opposition of the legal profession through their society; it passed the House of Representatives but was thrown out in the Council. The object of the Bill is to give admittance to the practice of the law to any male person of the age of twenty-one years, of whose learning in law, any one or more.of' the Judges may be satisfied ; .also, that he should .be enrolled without fee as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court: the Judges of the Court to prescribe the time, place,' and manner of examination; and to decide upon the competency for admission. There is another clause, admitting every male person of good moral character, to manage, prosecute or defend, any action or suit, either civil or criminal, if he shall be specially authorised or nominated to do so, openly in the Court where such suit is pending. 1 The last clause is of a very radical character, but the second is one like Mr' Green's Eight Hours Bill, really meaning nothing at all; for the Judges could, or would, make the examination so severe, that no fear need be entertained of any but men of first-rate ability passing it. When it was last introduced, with the exception of Mr Whitaker none of the lawyers took part in it; but this year (quoting largely from “ Hansard ” and a speech made by the present Premier), Mr Weston led off the opposition,, being supported by Mr Rolleston, Mr Connelly, Mr W. Williams, Mr Rutherford and others. Mr Williams’ opposition did not extend further than telling the very amusing story of Morgan’s Ranch, as related by Mark Twain ; but the diminutive exJudge, exalted on the stilts of the Attorney-General’s speech of two sessions since was, if such a term may be applied to him, “immense." Mr Weston is the smallest and most dapper man in tho House ; a dear little band-box of a man. In his speech, he stated if this Bill passed it would do away with reciprocity with the English Bar, which was now “ ready to open its arms to the profession, willing to take us into its bosom." Anyone watching Sir George while this speech was being uttered, knew that the learned member would be severely bantered by him whea replying. When Sir George Grey, was culled upon to reply, after somehow or other, diverting the arguments which had been used against him to his own purpose, as he along can do, he referred to tho remarks of Mr Weston, and especially to that portion of his speech which described the open amis and bosom. “ Why does not tho learned member,” said ho, “ leave us at once if it is so desirable ?” Then he pictured the ex-judge lying on the bosom of some. stout English Chief Justice with such dry humor, that the House was convulsed with laughter. The face of Sir George, at the conclusion of his description, was a study. He was overflowing with good nature, and he closed bis right eyo in that extraordinary manner which is peculiar to him. Spite of what might bo deemed the opposition of Government, as indicated by|Mr Eolloston’s speech, a largo majority'would have supported it, but no division was called for, the Minister no doubt promising himself, like Esuu, that he would kill it in another place.’’ The three Bills road a second time without division were the Affirnlation in Lieu of Oaths Bill, and tho Constitution Amendment Bill,

of which the. second reading, at the request of the, Government, was ad- : journed. This is a remarkable Bill, and one, which, if it became law, would place the final settlement of disputes, which . may arise between the two branches of the Legislature, in the hand of the electors. The Bill states that the cause in dispute should be submitted to a plebiscite, when, if a xnrjority decided either for or against either body, such decision should become law. It means this; that if the House decided there should be only one Climber, or that tho Legislative 1 Council should be elected, it would not be ;in the power of that House to veto the Bill, but it must be referred to the people to decide. It may aim still higher, and even more important questions may be decided by the people. The Government took alarm at it, and begged of tho mover for time to submit it to the law officers. Sir George after taunting them with tho wretched position they had placed the House in by allowing the Attorney General to remain in another chamber, consented to its adjournment for a fortnight. The more it is read the more it is liked, and I have very little doubt of its passing the House of Representatives ; but I think it would not get through the other Chamber. It must be carried by out side pressure. In the present apathetic condition of the people, there is very little chance of their interesting themselves in a matter of so great importance; and the constitution will not, perhaps,be amended. But to every thinking man, no more important subject has been raised by Sir George Grey than the subject of the Bill. The Timaru High School Amendment Bill has been circulated. I have not seen the Harbor Bill, but it proposes the Board shall be an entirely elective body. I understand the reason it has not been printed is that it is in the hands of the Government for their approval, of which there can be no doubt. Owing to Major Atkinson’s illness, he being Minister of Marine, the matter stands over. The North Timaru Cemetery Sale Act gives power for the land to bo sold by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, in accordance with the Act of 1877, the proceeds to be paid to the Board, who may expend the money in the purchase of another section. It appears to be merely a formal Bill, to which no oppo sition can be offered. In reference to the telegraph station at the Point, I hear that the Member for Gladstone has interviewed the Government on the subject, and that as soon as the station is removed, an office will be opened at once; also that the southern Members (if Mr Steward returns in time), are to interview the Minister for Public Works in reference to the question of the foreshore. At present, as you are aware; Mr W. Johnston nominally occupies the position of Minister of Public Works, and from what I hear, he would fill the position very creditably, if not more efficiently than the Hon Mr Oliver. There is a feeling growing up that the Ministers should complete their number, and that, putting party considerations on one side, the Department of Public Works should he committed to one admirably adapted to fill it, viz., the member for Ashburton, Mr E. G. Wright.