LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BILL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 507, 9 October 1912, Page 5

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BILL.

SUPPORTED BY BOTH PARTIES.

SECOND HEADING CARRIED

[ lly TIJ.KCKAIMI. — I'UKSs ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, This Da.f

In the House last night, the discussion on the Legislative Council Bill was resumed by Mr Forbes, who said he saw no objection to tho znoasuro if amended to limit the fcerma of ap-

pointmont to the present Parliament. He believed in making the Council merely a revising chamber. Tho money saved could be well spent on the back blocks.

Sir Joseph Ward supported the Bill hecau.se the majority of tho House had expressed itself in favour of an elective Council but in committee ho Would support, a proposal to reduce tho term of appointment to two years, so as to enable both Houses to be made elective at, next general election. Mr Buddo considered thw Bill useless until the whole <|Uostion had been decided in relation to both House. Mr Ell condemned the Government proposals and chided followers of Mr Massey for uitting silent while a measure involving the expeiui:i;ui'e of ,£20,000 or .V.'lio,ooo a year wan being dealt with. "The parly behind Mr Massey." he said, "is (he best drilled; most docile, and most amenable set of men that ever sat on the Government benches. Tho Prime Minister, in replying, complained of tho gross waste ol time that had taken place during the afternoon and evening. He declared that no matter what obstruction took: place the Government partv had given them their word that tho Government's programme would be put; through this session, no matter how long it took. Many of the speeches were not worth the time occupied, because they were merely a repetition of what had already been said this session. He stated he would recommend the Governor to make appointments to tho Council for three years if such a course was necessary. Tho eocond read in;; was carried on tho voices.