HOUSE OF LORDS

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10234, 10 May 1911, Page 5

HOUSE OF LORDS

LBRD LANSDOWNE'S SCHEME.

ITS SUBSTANCE OUTLINED

(Received Last Night, 10.40 o'clock.)

LONDON, May 9

The House of Lords was packed when Lord Lansdowne introduced his Reform scheme. Amongst the members of the House of Commons, who filled the small side galleries allotted to them, were- several members of the Government, and Sir R. B. Finlay, who was regarded as the principal draughtsman of the Bill, which was read a first time. Lord Lansdowne urged that reform should proceed simultaneous with the measure dealing with the relations of the two Houses. The Unionists desired a second chamber commanding the confidence of the country its ability, experience, and authority, and, above all, by its independence—a chamber which may be trusted to use its powers fairly towards both of the great parties, and bo closely in touch with public opinion without being at the mercy of popular caprice. A chamber was required which would be strong enough to make a stand where there war. reason to believe the country had not had the opportunity of expressing it s - will clearly snd delmerately. He did not claim that the proposed chamber should have co-ordin-ate rights wiih the House of Commons. Heredity should no longer litle a t.piv o -i to a seat. Thus, only wo'.tic 1 be e'igibb, who possessed cm-tain statutory qualifications, which, with election by their compeers would provo their fitness and eligibility. The schedule enumerating the qualifications of members, included:

Peerr. who had held a. political office or imoortant appointment at Home or abroad.

Membership of the Privy Council. Diplomatic Service or Army Council.

Captains of the Navy and Colonels on the. active list.. . ' ' • further Details. A £ott), FRANK MEASURE. (Received Last Night, 11.10 o'clock.) LONDON, May 9. Lord Lansdowne, continuing, said that the Bill proposed' Crown nomination proportionate to the strength of the parties in the House of Commons. The election of one hundred and twenty representative men by the electors and colleges composed of members of the House of Commons representing constituencies within each district ; each college electing from three to twelve; any Peer ! to be among the eligibles; the order of retirement to be determined firstly by ballot; Archbishops to sit during the tenure of their sees and Law Lords for life; the elections to be in accordance with Or-der-in-Coui'cil with representation of minorities; the creating of new peerages not to exceed five in one year; any Peer, unless ho be a Lord of Parliameit, to be eligible for the House of Commons.,

Lord Lansdowne, in emphasising the gravity of the* change, reminded those who possibly regarded the Bill as almost a betrayal, that fome changes of the scrt wore alir.ost inescapable. This Bill, he sari. was ;n the interest and stability of some institutions which h«vo lover hoen threatened as they are in this movement. He mentioned joint sittings >f both Houses, or. as a last resort, the referendum. Ho invited Lord Morley to the Government solution of +he matter.

Lord Morley admitted that Lord Laisdowrio .had taken a Wold. fn?nk and possibly useful course. The Government did not desire to obstruct the Bill, but was unable to accept it as a solution if it retained the hereditary principle. The Bill Avas so complicated that if it was submitted to the Referendum it would bring the referendum into disrepute