POLITICAL NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 73, 13 August 1912, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES.

MEMBERS' PAY. (By Telegraph—Own Correspondent.) Wellington, Last Night. A movement is on foot among members to obtain an increase of honurarium for both branches of the Legislature, on the ground that with the increase of population there has been a considerable increase in members' work and responsibilities, and that the amounts they receive are considerably less than those paid to legislators in the Australian Commonwealth Parliament. It is probable that in a few days a deputation of members of both branches of the Legislature will wait on the Prime Minister and make representations on the subject. RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICE. <■

Some brief but interesting remarks were made at the oyster supper given to members by Sir Joseph Ward in Bellamy's on Friday night last. In proposing the health of the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward said that he had no doubt that Mr. Massey now realised how difficult a task he liad undertaken. In that task he deserved not only the support of his friends, but of those who were opposed to him. He hoped that Mr. Massey would have as long a time in office as he deserved, and he assured th" Prime Minister that those opposed to him would be glad to see him doing good work. The Hon. W. F. Massey, in (replying, said that Sir Joseph Ward had expressed the hope that the Reform Party's occupancy of the Treasury benches would be as long as they deserved. He, for his part would express the hope that Sir Joseph Ward and his friends would remain in Opposition as long as they deserved, and he believed that would be a ve!ry long time indeed. "I want to make a confession," he added. "Prior to my taking up the position I had no idea of the responsibility, anxiety and hard work connected with it. 'i know all about it now, and I want to say this, and I say it with all sincerity, that as long as I continue in office I shall strive to live up to it and do my very best in the interests of the country." H« intended, he added, to treat members impartially and make no difference between them, whichever side they were on. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL REFORM.

Much interest is being taken by members of both branches of the Legislature in the possible fate of the Elective Legislative Council Bill, which has been introduced in the Upper House. There ,is an opinion that the Government is not very hopeful, that the Bill will reach the House, and that it may possibly be rejected by the Legislative Councillors. In the event of the Council refusing to pass the reform, the Government would have a reasonable excuse for appointing twelve or sixteen Councillors. There is, howeve(r, the possibility that the Council will pass the Bill in an amended form. The Government would, in that event, be in the position oi either having to accept the Council's own policy in regard to the reform of the Upper House, or to hold it over for a period until it had secured its passage by making further appointments. The possibilities are varied, and ajre being watched with the greatest interest. IMPORTANT BILLS. Some important Bills will be introduced by the Government this week. The Prime Minister informed a New Zealand Times representative that the Bill to amend the Graduated Land Tax would in all probability be introduced on Tuesday (to-day), and that the Bill to amend the industrial laws would be circulated at the same time. Early in the week the Civil Service Reform Bill wculd be introduced, while a Valuation Amendment Bill, containing some important proposals, would be brought down in the course of a few days. The Land Bill would not be ready for a fortnight or three weeks.