The word "servility" has been suggested to me by Senator Dr. Gogarty, who has such a command of appropriate language. It is certainly a word that is appropriate to the present occasion. It is our duty to resist motions of this kind which are altogether too frequent, motions which propose to supersede the rules of this House and to show a certain contempt for this Assembly. Once or twice in a session a motion of this kind might be easily passed over, due to the necessities of legislation. Sometimes we do abrogate our rules for the convenience of Ministers. We are not unreasonable, and have never been unreasonable in this House.
The Minister does not say that this motion is brought forward on the present occasion to suit his convenience. I will say this for the Minister, that we can rely upon any statements he makes here as being correct. I will, however, say this also about the Minister, that he is the greatest offender in regard to his desire to abrogate the rules of this House in connection with various Bills from time to time. I oppose this motion simply to show that we do not lightly consent to any breach of procedure.
There is another reason. A very important amendment has been brought forward here just now. The Minister explained it fairly and frankly and, I believe, fully. Still I do not understand all its implications. It means money to some people. It means the loss of money to a man who started his house before 1st October and will not have it finished before 1st February. It may cause serious injustice to an individual. There are other features of the Bill which, as Senator Farren said, ought to be considered calmly between this and next meeting.
The Minister has not to go anywhere in particular. He could be here next Wednesday. Of course if he could not be here we might consider that as a reason, but so far as I know there is no reason why he cannot be here. There is an amendment to Section 53, a very important amendment. That could be moved next Wednesday. For all these reasons this proposal ought not to be pressed.