THE EXECUTIVE.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14844, 9 December 1913, Page 5

THE EXECUTIVE.

AN ANOMALY REMEDIED

PROPOSED CHANGE

(bfwojo. to "thb kuss.")

WELLINGTON, December 8.

Tho Legislature Amendment Bill was returned to tho House to-day with amendments proposed by the Governor. The Hon. W. F. Massey explained tho effect of tho amendments. The first provided that the second ballot repeal should not apply to tho Lyttolton by-election, so that he presumed honourable members on the other side of the House would not object. The other amendment would make clear the power of the Government to appoint an honorary member of tho Executive. Ho was advised that euch appointments niado in recent years had not been legal, and he explained the somewhat extraordinary position in which tho law had w recently been found to be. Tho amendment would give tho Government power to apyoina honorary members of the Executive, but would not empower the Government to appoint a salaried Minister. Tho effect of this is vo open tho way for tho Government to appoint another Minister, and Sir Joseph Ward immediately put some qiipstioiis on the point. He enquired what was to be done alter tho alteration was made. Thb intention, ho could see. was to increase the number of the Executive, and he invited Mr Massey to say what was intended to bo done. Mr Massey (laughingly) : \\ ill tho hon. gentleman take tho position? Sir Joseph: No; 1 feel so happy and comfortable where I am that under tlio circumstances I would not care about it. (Laughter.) Tho amendments were agreed to on i tho voices.