§ MR. DUNCAN (Barrow-in-Furness)asked Mr. Attorney General, In consequence of very conflicting opinions and diverse decisions of county court and other judges, relating to their jurisdiction, in cases of dispute between members and persons claiming on their behalf against Friendly Societies; and, whether, under the 22nd section of "The Friendly Societies Act, 1876," and under their own rules, duly certified in conformity with the same, power is given to settle these without appeal to courts of law?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir CHARLES RUSSELL), in reply, said, the Question called attention to the fact that there wag a difference of opinion amongst County Court Judges and other Judges; and he would point out that if he were to answer the Question it would involve him in a condemnation on one side or other of those judicial opinions, and possibly of both. He could not usurp a judicial function which in no sense belonged to him.