DISCUSSING THE ESTIMATES

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10431, 23 September 1911, Page 5

DISCUSSING THE ESTIMATES

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

By Telegraph—Press Association.

WELLINGTON, Last Nigjht. Mr Massey's amendment to reduce the vote of £1350 for : Legislative Council salaries by £5 as an indication that the Council should be made elective, was further considered. Speaking to the amendment, Mr Massey said he was strongly of opinion that the elections should, he on the proportional representation system. Mr G. Fowlds said he was certain the time was coming when the present system would have to be altered.' Whan the matter came to be sett-led it. would be found that the Upper House could not be elected on the same franchaise as the General Assembly. He thought a portion of thie Council should be nominated, to allow men who had done good service for the country to have a place there. ' > Mt Jennings said he believed the nomination system had done good work. ■ ■ j Mr Fisher said if men were app- i ointed to the Upper House for their public services or for their knowledge of public affairs, there would | not be so much agjainst the system, '■ but immigrant® and people who' Bad never uttered a single sentiment in I their lives had been appointed. I

Mr Berries contended that members in the Council now represented the Premier, because he appointed them. The same position would apply to any Premier. Mir MciLaren held that Mr Massey's ameaidinent was designed to catch tihe unwary. After further discussion, the amendment wias negatived on division by 37 votes to 22. Mir Fisher then moved to reduce the amount by £4, as an indication that Upper House should he a'bolisihed. *

The amendment was negatived by 44 to 13.

Mr J. C. Thomson moved' to reduce the iitean by £3, as an indication that the Legislative Council should be elected by the House of Representatives. Sir Joseph Ward, speaking on Mr Thomson's amendment, said the proposed system would not suit the country, and it was idle to more for an alteration in the constitution on an item in the estimates. He wias prepared, at the proper time, to submit a well matured and workable scheme. He would oppose tihe amendment. Mr Massey said if they could not amend, the Upper House, in which the' jmajority of the people had lost confidence as at present constituted, he would vote for itis abolition. Has idea was that the Oouncal should be . more independent ttban the House. On that ground he would miahe the term six years, half tto membeins retiring every three years. Sir Josepth Ward, in a further, reply, pointed out that the different sections of the puMic should have a voice in the Upper Howse, and toat they had now. He wtaa opposed to the election of the Council on a similar franchise as the House, and deadly opposed to a restricted franoh. ise. He was not prepared to commit himself to a "regular botch." The miatter slhouEl go to tih/e counitry. Mr W. Fteser said he would be