AN INTERESTING CHANGE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2508, 8 July 1915, Page 4

AN INTERESTING CHANGE

The Legislative Council yesterday reverted to the old-time method of electing its Speaker, and if tho procedure is to be judged by the outcome, the change must be regarded as having fully justified itself. Tho practice until recently was to allow members of tho Council to vote secretly for any member of their own branch of tho Legislature who, in their opinion, , was best qualified to fill this important office. Generally speaking, the choice of Councillors would fall on two or three of 'their number with outstanding claims to consideration, _ and. it might happen that a majority of those present would at tho first ballot favour one particular member. Failing this, a process of elimination and further' ballots' followed. The secret ballot, with right to vote for any member without the formality of nomination, possesses tho advantage of affording Councillors an opportunity, to,, oxer--cise complete liberty .of judgment.; It is calculated to give a freer choice and in' most cases may be expected to sccuro the electio i of the most suitable member available. Yesterday's election was remarkable for the fact that it not. only resulted in the office being conferred on an. old and experienced member, possessing, by virtue of his long_ association with the Council and his experience in other public ofliccs, special qualifications for the-position; but for tho first time in the history of•• this branch of tho Legislature a New Zealand-born member war, honoured .with tho highest dignity it iu within tls jJowei' of fc&e .Oounsirto ijottfciv

That the new Speaker, t-lie Hon. C. J. ■Johnston, 1 -will worthily uphold the high traditions created by the distinguished body of ( men who have prcccded him in the office: may be taken for granted—as indeed it was by his fellow members yesterday when extending to him their congratulations and good wishes. *