The Government and the Speakers.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4683, 29 June 1893, Page 3

The Government and the Speakers.

♦ [Special to the " Star."] WELLINGTON, June 29/ \ Correspondence bearing on the dispute ■ between the Government and the Speakers |of both Chambers on the subject of I utilising the services of certain officers during the recess is now printed and circulated. Letters concerning the Hansard staff show that the Speaker and the Chief Beporter both recommended Mr Kay's appointment as extra reporter, but the Ministry gave the appointment to Mr Bussell. On Mr Parkinson's resignation, Mr Kay was again recommended by Major Steward and Mr Barron, and the recommendation was again ignored, and Mr Gore appointed. The object of Ministers is to have the services of the reporters during the recesß, and they claim to have Parliamentary sanction for assuming the full control of { all officers of the House. This position is disputed by the Speakers, and Major Steward states his position in a memorandum attached to,the correspondence. He has fortified himself by obtaining astatementof the practice prevailing in all the Australian Colonies. Toe position now. taken up by Ministers is on the lines of what waß contended in 1888 by the other party in politics. When the question comes before the House it will be disousaed quite apart < from party feeling. Major Steward sug- | geßts the passing of an Officers of Parliai ment Act to Bettle the matter decisively.