A NOVEL WAY OF GETTING "CALLED" TO THE UPPER HOUSE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8170, 28 June 1906, Page 5

A NOVEL WAY OF GETTING "CALLED" TO THE UPPER HOUSE.

v To the Editor). ,

Sir,— During the last few days many of the residents of Masterton have been muoh amused at the action of an aspirant, for the position of member of the Legislative Assembly, who has been button-holding people, impressing upon them bis particular qualifications and fitness for that Chamber, and asking them to sign a petition, that be fcball be appointed. It is well-known that all sorts of means are taken to obtain that ooveted position, but you will agree, Sir, that this is the most unique and original that has yet been brought to light. If that is the means to be resorted to for the purpose of making appointments to the Upper House, then the sooner that institution is swept away the tetter. To my mind it is a most disgusting way in which to obtain the prefix of "honourable," and I am sure that all those who wish to see the Upper House composed of gentlemen of ability and standing will resent the peculiar taotics now being resorted to. It is reported that in this same town a gentleman was desirous of being appointed a Justice of the Peace. He employed a canv.isser to obtain signatures to a petition that he should be appointed, and strange to say, "it came off." Well, I do most sinoerely hope that members of the Upper House are not to be appointed in the same manner, and in somewhat the same means. It is also mentioned that there are two other aspirants for the prefix of "honourable." If they also "hawk" round a round robin, pointing out their particular qualifications, and obtain signutures, it will be somewhat interesting to watch the result.—l am, etc., "LIBERAL." Masterton, June 27th, 1906.