NEWS AND NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1521, 17 August 1912, Page 6

NEWS AND NOTES.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. COMING RETIREMENTS. Several mombers of tho House of Representatives have been discussing lately the possibilities of deadlocks between tho proposed new clectivo Legislative Council and the elective House of Representatives. None of them liavo discussed the possibility of tho "Lords" refusing to sign their own death warrant. It is interesting, in view of this possibility—certainly a legal possibility—to recall what time must elapse before the character of tho council may bo changed by tho new Government. In 1914, before the dissolution of tho Lower Houso by effluxion of time, seventeen members of tho Upper Houso will have retired by effluxion of their terms of appointment. One of tho seventeen will have retired in 1913, the Hon. T. Kelly. Tho members to retire'in 1914 are: Tho Hons. J. Anstey, J. Barr, J. B. Callan, W. E. Collins, H. Gilmer, J. E. Jonlciiison, R. A. Loughnon, C. M. Luke, W. W, M'Cardle, J. T. Paul, Wircmu Pcre, J. Rigg, 0. Samuel, J. R. Sinclair, E. C. J. Stevens, and W. H. Tucker. Of the remaining members thero are six appointed for life.

MR. SPEAKER'S HOSPITALITY. The members of the Legislature, officers of Parliament and members of tho Press Gallery were entertained last evening at' an oyster supper by the Speaker of tho House (Sir Arthur Guinness). Tho Speaker proposed the toast of the Prime Minister (the Hon. W. P. Jlassey), and in doing so remarked that everyone connected with Parliament was pleased that there had been no "driving" of the House, and be hoped the same pleasant conditions would continue. The toast was cordially honoured, and Mr. Massey said he thought ho deserved some credit for having mado no attempt to drive (lie House. The session was the most pleasant ho had ever experienced. (Hilarious laughter.) Jlr. Jlassey explained that his remark had been taken in the wrong way, for he was speaking of the work done, and the hours of sitting, and he hoped the session would end as satisfactorily as it had bosun. Ho proposed the toast of Sir Arthur Guinness, and, in responding, the Speaker said such Fathering did a proat deal of good in bringing membeTS together in a fraternal way. Sir Joseph Ward's health was proposed by Sir Arthur Guinness, and in reply tho ox-Prinio Minister expressed a hope that among his reforms Mr. Massoy would bo able to see that no business was transacted after midnight. Mr. J. P. Arnold, formerly momlier for Dunedin Central, was a visitor to tho House ot Representatives to-day, and received a hearty welcome from members on both sides of'tho House, who were with him in the last Parliament, Ho was a guest at tho supper, on the invitation of the Speaker, nnd was Given a cordial welcome* by the Prime Minister, on liehaU. of the members of Parliament.