Before proceeding to tho Orders'of the Dayi ! Mr Larnach called attention to a question of privilege regarding a very defamatsry article which appeared in the Timaru Herald in re lation to the honorarium question. He hoped that the House would express an opinion re garding tho article, which was very strong, and he asked that the Clerk be instructed to read it. Mr Andrew opposed the reading of the ar ticle. If they did so it would appear in every newspaper in the Colony, . and he thought it would be better laft unread.
Mr Reid never saw any good result arise from the taking notice of newspaper articles, and the House generally came out worst. It could only lead to a waste of time. Great latitude was allowed in those things. Mr Pyke pointed out that the House could say nothing about the matter until they first heard the article read. Then they would be in a position to pass judgment. The article as sailed the reputation of the whole House in the most gross manner, and he absolutely refused to believe that any member of that House could have penned so atrocious a slander. Mr Murray said it did not become the House to take notice of these anonymous and scur rilous newspaper correspondents. Mr Button said the proposed procedure w*B shooting a small bird with a large gun, or like the King of Israel going into the desert after a flea.
Mr Wason moved that the article he taken as read.
Mr Joyce said it was reported that a member of the House wrote the article.
