LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 78, 23 July 1914, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

! [Pee Press Association.] Welligfcon, July 22. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL REFORM Hon. McGregor resinned the debate on the Legislative Council Bill. He was of opinion that the Council should lie. made elective. Impartiality was not possible, hi the cast; of nomination, the men appointed were necessarily party men. Election by the people was the only proper method of reform. 'Hon. Carncross recognised that the Bill was to he passed, but ho proposed to make a lew "dying remarks" upon the measure. He admitted that the appointments made by the Liberals were distinctly party, but it was only a case of history repeating itself. Tn the past, measure after measure had been turned down until the Liberal Government made appointments to enable its legislation to be carried through. Speaking as one who had had a long experience of both Chambers of the Legislature, lie urged in all sincerity, although he had much to thank the people for, that there should he House entirely free from the terrible pressure which was brought t<> bear on members in another place. Hon. Samuel said that there had been nothing to change his opinion with regard to the Bill. He could never vote for the Bill,but he recognised the concessions made to those in opposition.

Hon. Maginnity said he came to the Gounicl with no specific instruction from the Governor. Ho was sent to the Council as an extreme Liberal, and as a Liberal he supported tlife electoral system. The whole scheme of government iu Now Zealand was representation by popular vote. The Bill carried out the Liberal creed, and/gave the people the same opportunity to vote for the election of councillors as to Vote for members of the House.

The Counicl resumed at 8 p.m. Hon. Mills continued the debate. Ho did not think it wise to alter the constitution without knowing what was to be given in its place. By the adoption of the election principle they would keep many able men from rendering service in the Council.

Hon. R. Moore said he felt it was not possible for him to give altogether a / silent vote. Ho did not look upon the proposed change as reform, but as an extension of the powers of the Council. They would have a mandate from the people instead of from one man. In the past the Council had done good work, and he was not in favor of its abolition. While he felt that some other franchise might be adopted, ho did not see how the change could be effected in the proposals made. Hon. Jones said there was no mandate from the people to make the change proposed. It was only a plank put into the “Reform” platform.

Hon. Barr said that after analysing the work of the Council there was n<> need for the change in fche constitution, hut he supported the elective principle. He was not satisfied that the proportioilal system was all that it should be, and hoped something would lie" done in committee to improve the Bill. The debate was adjourned.