THE UPPER HOUSE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1049, 11 January 1913, Page 3

THE UPPER HOUSE

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I noticed in your paper of the gth instant that it has been whispered that Mr J. G. Wilson was to. be elevated to the Upper House. . Such an appointment would be received with intense gratification by many residents in this district. In case Mr Wilson could not see his way to accept the honour, could we not still have a representative of the Legislative Council in this important part of the West Coast of the North Island ? May I mention the name of our esteemed townsman, Mr F. W. Frauklaud, who has a remarkable grip of political life, and a knowledge of figures that would mate him invaluable to that august body ? Most of us feel that Mr Fraukland was made for the Upper House ; he possesses every virtue necessary for such a position. He has a political knowledge of every nation in the world, and New Zealand politics are at his finger ends. He is an exceptionally well read mao, and can converse on any subject with a power that surprises bis hearers. The burning questions of England, America, Germany aud Japan are his daily food, and one looks upon him as a living encyclopaedia. He can give one information on every department, or on a particular department of political life, aud is never at a loss to answer a question. When a paper like the “Christian Commonwealth” refers to Mr Franklaud in the fallowing words, we might indeed be proud of our townsman : “Often he may be seen in the Capital, Wellington, heading a deputation to one of the Government Ministers on matters pertaining to shipping, or any other developing factor necessary in the town (Foxton). He is consulted on all manner of subjects by town and country people, and bis wise counsel is always ungrudgingly given. Every mail brings him in that far-off town (Foxton) under the Southern Cross some parcel of the most important literature hi Britain, France, Germany, Italy and America. He has long passed the stage of having to grapple with intricate subjects. He is well versed in so many fields of learning. It is certainly time that Mr Frankland could fill with undoubted success two or three chairs in a university Men like Mr Fraukland are of incalcuable value in young countries which have the tendency to overemphasise the things of this world and to leave on one side the things of the spirit.” Surely with such a genius among us, some place should be found for him in the legislative halls of this country—and the Upper House seems to fit him exactly. May we see both Mr Wilson and Mr Frankland in the Upper House before very long.-I am, etc.,

A POSSE AD ESSE.