VETO OR LORDS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10025, 22 April 1910, Page 4

VETO OR LORDS.

Lord Onslow, formerly Governor of New Zealand, in a letter to the "Times," says that in the Committee which discussed the reform of the Lords (presided over by Lord Koseber?) there was also general 1 agreement that it was desirable to let into the House a "current of fresh air," and the only differsnces of opinion were as to means. The proposal of Lord Kosebery and Lord at. Aldwrn for the representation of large urban communities was only defeated by a majority of one; and, in fact, nearly all the reforms suggested to-day "were considered by the Committee, and received some measure of support " The principle of heredity and primogeniture found no support. Lord Onsljw says, in conclusion, that he has shown "that an influential body of Peers are prepared to eo as far as any suggestions I have yet seen made in the direction ot reforming the House of Lord?." The "Spectator," follow ing up the subject, says:—-"We agree with those who hold that it is the business of the responsible Government to bring forward plans for the reform of the House of Lords, and that the suggestion that the Lords should initiate such legislation is only to be be regarded as sound if the Ministry refuse to do anything but strike at the legislative powers of the Second Chamber. In,that, case, no doubt, the Lords ought to take the initiative in suggesting a scheme of reform. The Lords will, of course, claim their lull share in discussing and shaping the details of any measure the Government may propose, but the initiation of Constitutional reform should, in the | first place, come from the Executive.'-'