REFORM OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1451, 8 January 1887, Page 3

REFORM OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

I hear, en what te.van to be pood authority, that it has been virtually decided by Ministers to bring m a Pill next region provi«?irg for the reconatilution of the LcglfJativo Council ov ao elective fca»i». 1 understand 1 hat the details of the measure have net yet been definitely settled, but that a general understanding ban been arrived at as to tbn main features of the Bill, which are said to be as follows: — Ist. A ccnsfdtrable reductim m the numerical strength cf the Council to be effected by not filHrg op preef nt ct future vacancies until the minimum number which may be f xed shall have bfien repohed. 2nd. All future Legislative Councilors to be elected by the House cf Representatives, cither by ballot or by direct open we. 3rd. Their temuo o? effice to be limited to a fixed term of seven or ten years 4th. Provision to be made to avoid a desdlork m the event of a difference of opinion between the two branches of the Legislature, the mode probably being by both Hooees nitting and voting together m c»B3 oi a corflict od &Dy important public qoeßtioc. It will be olnerveri t' ;it (his iB, m a large degree, a reproduction cf tho measure propo?ed by Sir Jnlin Hal), which however never came up fir sermon practical discussion It retn*inn to be seen whMher the propo»pd measure will have any better fortune than its various nredeceßPors I belif vo I bat en alternative plan will be considered, omitting theeJrc'ive element, but limiting and reducing the number of councillor*, adding. a provision against deadlooks.