BLOCKING THE HARBOUR BILL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12824, 17 October 1911, Page 4

BLOCKING THE HARBOUR BILL.

According to information which has reached us from Wellington relative to the proceedings before the Private Bills Committee, a deliberate effort is being trade, by.the representatives of the country opponents of the • Wanganui Harbour Bill to maintain^ "stonewall." long enough to make it impossible for tho measure to be presented to the ■House this session. One member of the county delegation is, avo understand^ playing the part of an irrepressible lawyer, and subjecting every witness to a i ldiculously long-drawn-out cross-o-x.-iirjnation. Time will show whether these objectionable tactics will serve their purpose, but whether they do. so or not their adoption by gentlemen who should, have some regard for tho recognised decencies of debate is certainly regrettable. The opponents of tho Bill are entitled to make out the strongest possible case in support of their attitude. They are also within their rights in attempting to break down tho caso lor tho Bill. But there is a point beyond which iha brenking-dowii proccsk ' ought not to be carried, and that pr.int :s reached when fair argument Mid reasonable interrogation arc superseded by deliberate and obvious obstruction. It is gratifying to learn that thero is still a reasonable prospect of the Bill getting -through this session, and that its ulcimato passage is. assured. "'