THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 10 May 1913, Page 4

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

It is persistently reported that the Government piKuposes. to strengthen the Legislative Council by the .appointment of such Councillors as Sir William Russell, Mr John Dut.hie, and the Ron. E. Mitchelson, prior to the opening of Parliament. If the Ooimcil, which is on tho verge of extinction as a nominee body, requires strengthening at all —and we confess to a feeling of uncertainty on this point until we discover the existing Upper Chamber to be antagonistic to Refonn legislation—it should be strengthened by the addition of men whoso sympathies are with Literalism of a lurnane and progressive character. Tho country has not shown a, disposition to place its destinies, in tho hands of the old school of Conservative politicians. Indeed, there is a strong feeling in the Reform Party throughout the 'Dominion that Mr Massey will commit political suicide if ho identifies himself with his school. Tho appointment of Sir William Russell, Mr John Duthie, and tho Hon. 15. .Mitchelson to tho Upper Ohamher would provide a. weapon for the Opposition with -which to flagellate the Ministry until its occupancy of the Treasury benches would be impossible.