REFORM OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wellington, August 14.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 116, 22 August 1885, Page 4

REFORM OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wellington, August 14.

The Select Committee of the Upper House on tho constitution of the Council report that they are unable to make any recommendation, but they submit a series of resolutions for tho consideration of the Council. Thoee are:— (l.) It is expedient and desirable that a change should bo made in the constitution of the Council. (2.) Those who are members at the passing of any act should continue as members under their original appointments, (3.) That the number of members of council be limited, and bear a definite proportion to the number of members of tho House of Repreeentatiues. (<l.) That such definite proportion be one half of the number of the members of the House of Representatives, and that no appointment shall be made except under Section 7 until the number is reduced to a limited number. (5) That every member hereafter appointed should hold office for 10 years. (6) That the power of granting leave of absence should vest in the Council only, and absence for one whole session without leave should vacate the absont members' seat. (7) That whenever tho Premier desires that a member of the Executive Council, being one of the Responsible Ministers, should have a seat in the Council, it should be lawful for the Governor to appoint him accordingly. (S) That no other should be allocated to the Legislative Council except in accordance with the last preceding section, until the number of members shall be less than the limited number. (9) That whenever a vacancy occurs in the speakership, the speaker should be elected by the Council from its members. { 10) That, in the opinion of the Committee, a fixed sum should be promanently appropriated for the establishment of the Council, to be applied to the Council directs.