UPPER HOUSE REFORM.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 178, 28 July 1913, Page 6

UPPER HOUSE REFORM.

SRJN'ING THEIR DEATH WARRANT. (By Telegraph.— Pr rjisnentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. ln discussing the chances of the Legislative Council Bill passing this session, supporters of the measure do not hope for much from the Upper House, even with its leavening of five new Reform nominees. They affect to be unable to eon.vive that the opponents of the bill among the Councillors are actuated by a rcluetame to sign their own death warrant, but the situation does not support the assumption. Sixteen nominee Councillors will reach the end of their term before nevt session, and they can take it !'i>r granted that they will not be reappointed. A surrender of their views nn the constitution of tlio Chamber could make no (MiTcrc'ice to thei." personal position, for they would go out whether the Kill passed it not; in fact, self-preservn-tioti would dictate support for the bill, as tins would give them a chance of getting hack as elected representatives. Among the lords themselves there are prophet. , ho voice a hopeful note concerning the fate in store for the bill, and in one or two instances quite an optimistic tune is touched. There is a feeling among a section that the measure has a likely chance of rrertins saffly through the second reading st.ige. but that it will die in committee and that, in short, the Council will affirm the principle of the bill, yet rcieet its details. But from what can lie pat lie red at present the major sentiment towards it by hon. members is in'deviating hostility. Whether this anl senilism will be persisted in remains to he seen. Overshadowing all is tho significant utterance of the leader of the Chamber in introducing the proprispi. which in effect was. "'Ocntleiiicti. if ynn do not accent the bill this year, another Council will accept it next