POLITICAL NEWS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 15, 16 June 1885, Page 2

POLITICAL NEWS.

[Wellington Papers.] Rumour points to the likelihood of some rather interesting proceedings m, the Legislative Council at an early date,' It appears that the Legislative Councillors generally view with strong disappro* val the action of the Government, m making such a large number of additions to the Council during the late recess, and they are also dif satisfied with the appointments made. A move-. ment has according been set on foot to get a vote of censure on the Go« vernment for their conduct m these respects passed m the Legislative Council, and some informal meetings of members 1 have already taken place to consider the matter. The present intention is to pro* pose a resolution condemning the action . of the Government, and to move for a " call " of the Council on the occasion, bo as to ensure a full attendance of Councillors, m order that the action taken may be of a thoroughly representative character.

The measure which is to be introduced m the Legislative Council by the Colon- ; ial Secretary tor the reform of the august body is a short Bill of nine clauses. It provides that all existing appointments ia the Council and all its Standing Order* ehall continue m force, but that future members appointed after the date of the passing of this Act shall hold ofSccL for ten years only. Existing members • however, are not to be subject to this ' limitation. Appointments of Conoillori ; snd Speakers of th« Council are to be made by the Governor. Vacancies may '""<■ be eroated by resignation, by absence for a whole session without leave, by a Councillor becoming naturalised m * foreign State, by bankruptcy, insolvency, default, attainder, or conviction of felony but members vacating their seats may" be re-appointed. Questions as to Tacancies are to be decided by the Council on reference from the Governor, right of appeal to the Privy Council being re. ' served to any person whose seat is called m question, or to the Attorney-General ' on behalf of the Crown.