BELOW STRENGTH

Hokitika Guardian, 28 December 1933, Page 1

BELOW STRENGTH

THE N.Z. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

COMMENT BY SIR FRANCIS BELL

WELLINGTON December 23. Reference to the- depleted numerical strength of the Legislative Council was made at the final sitting of the session to-day. In moving the adjournment of the Council the Leader, the Hon R. Masters, said that while there had been no outstanding features of the session a great deal of useful legislation had been passed. It was comforting to find that the tone in the Dominion to-day was brighter than it had, been a year ago, find there was-no doubt the, indications of returning confidence were due to the. .wonderful revival of trade in Britain.Sir Francis Bell said there were few left of a body which had once played a serious part in New Zealand politics, and it was to be honed that MiMasters, who was a member of the Goverment, would be impressed with the fact that the council’s numbers were not sufficient to enable it to perform its constitutional functions. j ’

Mr Masters: Hear, hear

Sir Francis said if it was possible to contemplate a single chamber the position might lie different, but the Constitution . Act, which could not be amended, required that there should he a second chamber.

The Speaker, Sir Walter Carncross, said he thought the Government had a glorious opportunity to strengthen the Council. With a Coalition in office he had thought there would be appointments from all sides of politics.