introduced -- without Opposition Senators present.

The claim came this week from Opposition Senate leader Milton Scott.

And much of his fire was directed at Senate president the Hon. Albert Jackson.

He attacked Sen. Jackson for deciding to go ahead with last week's unscheduled Senate hearing at which the Independence Referendum Act was introduced for a first reading.

Sen. Jackson had bowed to pressure from Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, he claimed.

"I would have hoped the president would have responded in a more statesmanlike manner,'' Sen. Scott told the Senate on Wednesday.

But Sen. Jackson hit back, saying the Independence bill had not been discussed by Senators last week.

Sen. Scott should have given Senators credit for not pressing ahead.

"It would have left a nicer taste in my mouth had he done so,'' said Sen.

Jackson.

He added: "It is unfortunate that we take the negative side so often in our affairs when there is a positive side.'' Last week's historic meeting in the half-empty chamber took just five minutes to complete.

It was held a week before scheduled, annoying Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade.

Mr. Wade said an agreement had been reached between the two parties that Senate would resume next Wednesday.

But the Premier and Sen. Jackson announced the first sitting would be brought forward -- even though Opposition Senators were abroad on business trips.