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efforts up to date but
·a good and extensive system of drainage is the first
desideratum,' and with this there must be provision
for a still more abundant supply of good water for
every house.
He concluded with an attack on the "pernicious and offensive practice of
tobacco smoking11 so injurious to the heal thy function of the lungs .
In July the opening of the first session of the Legislative
Council under Young's administration gave the Pub lic an opportunity to
enquire further into the Convict Department Affair .
On the 24th , in
reply to questions from J .H. Wedge , the member for Morven, the Colonial
Secretary stated that , although it was not customary for the Legislature
to interfere between the Executive and its officers, as there was much
public excitement over the question, he was prepared to disclose, for the
benefit of all, that an invesigation had been conducted and those
officers concerned relieved from the charges , although severely reprimanded
for some of their actions ;
there would be no further abuse of prison
labour and the like.
His disclosure was received with astonishment and
anger;
the Tasmanian Daily News declared that the charges should have
been investigated in the Supreme Court or by a special commission, and
accused the Governor of an 11error of judgment11 and "dilettante
officialism";
the Examiner suggested the appointment of a Select
Committee of the Legislative Council.
They have the sense of the public entirely in their favour,
and the time has arrived to insist that every department is
within the control of the Legislature.lO
On August 4 this opinion ws challenged by the Colonial Secretary who,
in answer to further questions from Wedge, maintained that by answering
he would be admitting the right of the House to review the proceedings
.
of the Executive
a right which neither His Excellency was disposed to
recognize nor for which he was sure would any member
desire to contend.
However , on August 7 Wedge, determined, and firmly backed by
an indignant Tasmanian Daily News and an excited Pub lic, gave notice that
he would move for the appointment of a Select Committee composed of
Gregson, Chapman, Knight, Elliston, Kermode, Meredith , Gunn , Goodwin,
Clarke, Douglas and Wedge to enquire into the charges brought against the
Convict Department .
The affair had now become a "question of privilegett
with some members of the House reluctant to agree to Wedgets motion on
,_
1 0
Examiner, July 31, 1855.