POLITICAL NOTES

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10692, 13 August 1912, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES

(From the Evening Post.)

MEMBERS' PAY,

A movement ig on foot among members to obtain an. increase in honorarium fcr both branches of the Legislature, on the ground that with the increase of population there Ins been a considerable increase in members' work and responsibilities, and that the amounts- tiley ireeeived are considerably le<<3 than those p.i:id to legislators in the Australian. Commonwealth Parliament. It is probable that in a few days a deputation of members of both branches of the Legislature will wait on the Prime Minister, and make representations on tlie .subject.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL REFORM.

Much interest is being taken by members of both branches of the Legislature in the possible fate of tho Elective Legislative Council Bill ivhicii has been introduced in the Upper House. There is, it is stated, an (.pinion that the Government- is not very hopeful that the Bill will reach the House and that it may possibly be rejected by the Legislative Councillors. In the event of the Council refusing to pass the reform, Government would have a reasonable excuse for appointing twelve or sixteen councillors. There is, however, the possibility that the Council will pass the Bill, but in an amended form. The Government would in that event be in the position of either having to accept tho Council's.! own policy in regard to the reform of tho Upper House or to hold it over fcr a period until it has secured its passage by making further appointment!-.. The possibilities are interesting, and -ere ' tieing watched with tho greatest interest.