THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4345, 5 December 1908, Page 3

THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

To the Editor.

f*fr» —The rejection by an overwhelming majority of the House of Lords, of Mr Asquith’s Licensing Bill must have impressed all those interested in the cause of political and social reform. The hocds have again proved themsolves to be the tools of thebrewing’and Conservative interests. When a Tory Government holds office the House of Lords passes its measures without question. When the Liberals are in power the people’s wiil as expressed by its representatives, is opposed and thwarted. That two Archbishops and eleven bishops supported the Bill is creditable to the Church. Union'st peers gave a block vote against the Bill, another proof of the fact that from the landed, war-loving, ultra-imperialist class comes the greatest opposition to home reform. This is the class which demands undue expenditure upon naval programmes, etc., but does not feel the pinch* resultant up m increased taxation. The attitude of the Lords is driving many into the ranks of Socialism. Abusing for political, social, and monopolist interests their powers as a revisionary chamber, they are hastening the time when democratic rule wil! become less farcial than it is at present in Britain, When that time comes, the people will' rule, and not a body which, containing, great and good men, also numbers within its ranks men mentally and morally deficient.—l am, etc., Reform.

To the Editor.) Sir,—l was very pleased to read Ratepayer's letter in your issue of Tuesday last, and also that of J. Williams’ refer- > ring to the lagoon. This filthy spot is n • .standing disgrace to any Council in power, In other towns I have been in I heard it and your sanitary system discussed, and I can assure you not in terms favourable to the advancement of Te Arolia. I cannot for the life of me understand why your Council neglect their duty in this respect, for what with this wretched fever bed and the filthy drains running into it, and also the accumulation of fowls of every description located ia the v» ry heart of the Borough. • ne would tjppk the town was governed by the aovoi) sleepers, Wak<up citizens, with the groat natural ad • vantages of your towns yon should, with proper management, have one of the loveliest ani best h« al*h r* sorts in~the world.—l am, etc.,

Orservant Visitor.