The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED TH EGM0NT SETTLER. SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1913. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 57, 12 July 1913, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED TH E GM0NT SETTLER. SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1913. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

The Christehurch Press expresses the j view that the very able speech delivered in the Legislative Council this week by the Hon. Oliver Samuel, confirms the impression which is growing in Wellington that in spite of the new creations, the Government I arc hardly likely to carry the Legislative Council Reform Hill through the I pper House this session. "The 'impasse' which has arisen in Australia with an Upper House elected by large constituencies, even although tlie- sys-

tem of proportional representation is not in use, has caused a good deal of serious questioning on this side of the Tasman Sea. A point raised by Mr Samuel, which is only just being taken into consideration, is regarded as a serious stumbling block by some Councillors who in principle agree with the Government's Bill. Under our elector,'! laws, in the election for the Low-

er House, an extra 28 per cent, is added to the quota for country constituencies. T\h> reason is that it is felt that owing to the greater facilities for

organisation in the towns, the country districts would not secure a fair

representation if they did not receive this concession, Under the system of

largo constituencies and proportional representation the town and country would be treated exactly alike, and in all probability the farmers would be under-represented in the Chamber where it is especially desirable they should l)c able to give Tail expression to their views. The Bill will probably pass the second reading, hut it looks as if it may bo so amended in tho Council that even if it passes the third reading there, it will be in a form which the Government will be unable to accept."