PROTEST AGAINST ORDER-IN-COUNCIL LEGISLATION MADE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18014, 26 November 1926, Page 8

PROTEST AGAINST ORDER-IN-COUNCIL LEGISLATION MADE.

REMIT FROM CANTERBURY CARRIED IN WELLINGTON. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, November 25. A protest against legislation by Ojrler-in-Council was made by the conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce to-day. The following remit was carried:— “This conference reaffirms the opinion expressed last year that the tendency to institute important legislation by means of Order-in-Council is causing serious concern and uncertainty in commercial circles. The conference considers that the exercise of powers of legislation by Order-in-Council is justifiable only for emergency legislation or to provide the neessary machinery regulations under Acts of Parliament, and when so exercised, should be ratified by Parliament as early as possible.” Mr C. P. Agar (Canterbury), in moving the remit, stressed the necessity for making a strong protest against Government by Order-in-Council. Their rights as citizens were being filched by such method of legislation. Parliament was being robbed of its function. Mr A. Mackenzie (Wellington) supported the remit. The president, Mr A. 11. Mackrell, said that when Chambers of Commerce previously jirotested against legislation by Order-in-Council, the Government asked for specific instances. They did not have long to wait to provide such an instance, for the motor omnibus regulations were introduced by Order-in-Council. “We have heard a lot about less Government in business," said Mr Mackrell, “but I am afraid that they haven’t quite learned how to practice that sentiment yet. ’ lie thought they should continue to make vigorous protests against legislation by Order-in-Council, especially when such legislation interfered with private enterprise.