THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, JULY 29, 1878.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2949, 29 July 1878, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, JULY 29, 1878.

The Government hare recently exercised their power in making another batch of Colonial " lords:" They have~or the Governor acting on their advice has— called to the Upper House two gentlemen from Auckland and two from Wellington; One of the former, it is understood, has been compelled to decline the honor; while one. of the Wellington gentlemen distinguished by this special mark of Ministerial favor has incurred the censure of the Press, a section of which asserts that if he had been a candidate for a road board he would not have been elected. In the eyes of the Government, however, lie was a fit and proper person for a seat in the conservative branch of the Legislature; his only qualifications so far as known being the possession of riches and a strong political leaning towards the Government in power. In making these nominations to the Upper House there should be some fixed principle kept in view, but there is not. One Government finds it convenient to induce a supporter to retire from the lower chamber and accept a seat in the upper, by which means they secure a vote for their measures iv both chambers. Old member* of tlie House of Eepresects,tives,

when they tire of the harassing duties of a representative, content themselves in the dignified retirement of the Upper House. Occasionally, a government rewards one of

its staunch" supporters by making him a Legislative Councillor. We do not know the motives which actuated the Grey Ministry in their latest elevations, but if they recognise the equity of the principle of representation in filling up vacancies or increasing the number of members in the Upper House, they, have certainly evaded it in passing over this district, as there has been an implied promise for some years that we should have a resident called to the Legislative Council. If the Government still enter.

tain the desire to acknowledge the claims of Thames to have a member in the Legislative Council, we would' suggest (hat Captain Fraser, our present Warden, be invited to accept that position. Captain Fraser, would possess the confidence of the inhabitants; he has served a fair apprenticeship to Legislative duties in the Provincial Council, and he does not want experience of a very varied character. In the promised adjustment of representation this district is bound to be considered and to be placed on a better footing. In every respect, too, it can claim to be acknowledged and represented in the Legislative Council. Its population, extent, and magnitude of interests involved place it above several districts, in point of importance, which are represtented more fully in both Houses of Parliament. The position held by Captain Fraser would not, we feel sure, be allowed to stand in the way of his accepting a call to the Council, and if this does not present itself we hope some day to see him contesting a seat—*or at least being elected for—the j representation of this district in the Assembly. Captain Fraser's political leanings are decidedly in favor.of Sir George

Grey's party and policy. The present session of Parliament will be a most important one, and, in the Legislative Council, a gentleman possessing such an intimate acquaintance with the requirements of this district as does Captain Fraser could do much to promote the future good of the place. His years of experience as a Warden and Resident Magistrate have given him an insight into bur p.ffairs, which, coupled with his previous . colonial knowledge, should fit him pre-eminently for legislative functions. Being recognised as a Greyite, he is nevertheless a favorite with men of all shades of politics, who would hail his elevatiou with pleasure, believing that whatever his convictions on questions of general policy may be tin paramount interests of this district would receive his attention both m and out of Parliament;.