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Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1930, Page 4

The anticipatory remarks regarding tiie appintments to the Legislative Council prepared the way for the fina announcement of the p.u’->nir , ‘'"V'r.+.<!. Tiler© were four vacancies by effluxion of tune, namely Hon Craigie (Canterbury), Hon Mander (Auckland). Hon Newman (Wellington) and Hon Rikihana (Auckland) as well as two vacancies by death, covering former appointments in Wellington and Westland. The Government feeling its weakness in the ’Legislative! Council where Reform is unduly strong, did not reappoint any of the retiring gentlemen, though Hon Newman in particular lias distinguished national service to his credit. The choice made practically covers five United and one Labour representative, the appointments being three for the North Island and three for the South Island. -Viessrs Buddo (a former Liberal Minister) and Messrs McOallum and Masters, were all stalwarts in the political arena in former times, and their selection was inevitable from the outset. .Messrs Fagan, Stevenson and Trevethick are new to the political world, though the first named has stood unsuccessfully as a Labour candidate for the Motueka. seat in former times. Mr Fagan’s appointment, however, should he a good one. Labour is entitled, as was the United Party, to increased representation in the Upper House, and the choice is not an unhappy one When on the Coast, Mr Fagan had the reputation for sane Labour views, and lie should serve as a useful leaven in the Upper House to wakch Labour interests in that quarter, The other two gentlemen ‘have their political spurs to win, hut there is no reason to doubt the wisdom of their selection. It is said there were many aspirants for the positions, and the choice was made no doubt with a view to achieving the best end. The Government was weak undoubtedly in the Upper House, and it will be remembered had specially to appoint Sir Thomas Sidev in order to secure a leader of pronounced views on the Liberal policy. At the same time the Upper House has acted very fairly invariably with party legislation sent up from the Lower House, so that on the whole policy legislation lias not been delayed unduly. The Legislative Council is now at very fair } strength, and there will hie hardly room for fresh appointments till next year at the earliest when the terms of some four members expire. The I ijollowing year the appointment of about a dozen members will come up -or review, hut perhaps by that time something may hi' done regarding the promised reform of the Upper House. It was promised far hack in Mr Massey’s time, and certain legislation placed on the Statute Book, hut it has remained in abeyance since. The loot

that th 6 Conservative Party considered it necessary to set about the reform oi the revising Chamber, is fairly conclusive evidence that some change is desirable, and it will not be surprising if the task is not taken in hand in the not distant future.