THE UPPER HOUSE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2172, 10 June 1914, Page 9

THE UPPER HOUSE.

Sir,—lt is curious that'in this country .so little popular interest seems to be taken in tho question of'the reform, or, rather, alteration, of tho present method in the appointment of mombe'rs to our Legislative Council, or Upper House. Yot the change, from n House composed of members nominated by the Ministry of tho day, to a Houso composed of members elected by tho people, is one which may work a very important change, also, in the political situation. It is thorefore deserving of deep consideration, and the exercise of some caution before we plunge ourselves into a situation which' may be fraught with' more evils than those we have already, Tho sccond Chamber is necessary here mainly for tho purpose of exercising a check on the Lower House, which, under party influence, may pass.ill-consicj ered meßstifos; r sufch' ; is ma^ j heed to bo amended, modified, 'or cvW'rejected if there is any doubt as to the real will of' tlio'people.;' Clearly; then,: our Upper Houso should be composed of none but the best—of men who have risen to eminence in some profession or uranch of life. They should bo free, unbound by caucus dictation and electoral pledges that pervert the' unbiased ludgment. A House constituted of snch men would earn the rcspcct of tho community; and hold tho position" in our constitution that was doubtless intended by its framers. But, unfortunately, tho right of nomination being, in the hands of the Prime Minister of the day, without' any check or qualification,- haS made t these appointments more a reward for party services than a deserved and honorable distinction. Were some qualification requisite, this eyil might possibly be mitigated. Nevertheless, this, ,at any rate, may be said in favour of a nominated-House; that, although it may seem 'to be an undemocratic institution, it is in reality more democratic than an elected House, because it is practically under the hands of the Lower House, whereas an elected Council, or Upper House, would possess a status of its own. and bo far more stubborn to deal with.

A raero duplicate of the Lower House with all its party passions, its liability to be engineered by party wire-pulling, aiid all attendant.evils, is not likely to produce any beneficial results. If Councillors are elected by the people— 'even although the electoral districts may bo larger, or the system of voting somewhat different, such election will unavoidably be accdhipanied by the ovil hand of the caucus, and by pledges whicli will effectually neutralise tliat unfettered judgment that should bo the sole attribute of B«ch Councillors. Under the elective system they would still he returned as party men. But as they would, also, and rightly so, consider themselves equally representatives of the people with members of the lower House, they would naturally incliuc to maintain their independence. .Repeated wrangles, would ensue, whilst even tho business of Parliament-itself might be blocked. The example of Australia is not encouraging. I trust that our present Government will not think it necessary to push the matter through during the coming session; but that time may be given for due consideration before so grave a change in our constitution bo pressed upon the country.—l am, etc., N.J. BIRCH. June 2, 1914.