FOR SERVICE TO THE STATE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 148, 24 June 1915, Page 6

FOR SERVICE TO THE STATE

* , An elective principle, on the basis of proportional' representation, was embodied in the Legislative Council Act of last session, but the statute did not decree sudden death for the old nomination system. Section 1 states: — "This Act, except Section 23 thereof, shall commence on the first 'day of January, 1916;" and section 23 provides: — "If after the date of the passing of this Act, and before the first day ,pf January, 1916, any person; is appointed a member of the Council, such person shall hold his seat theiein until the first day of July, 1921, and no longer." Thus the Government retained a power of nomination for the lilling of vacancies pending the advent of the elective method, and. in tlic circumstance*, this jir-wpr to maintain the J&X&tiMlh. a! Ui» Launnil U. uai.uui.'cyuflnjdllv.

Hence comes the appointment of Sir ■Walter Buchanan and the Hon. J. A. Millar, who have well earned a place in the Upper House. After long years of service in the House of Representatives they have the experience which will be very helpful in revising the measures of "another place." Veteran members of the Council could give some very interesting reminiscences of the blunders which this much-criticised Chamber has been able to correct in the Bills -of the other body, especially at the close of a session, when a weariness and a hunger for home may blur the vision and dull the mind in the turbulent and feverish atmosphere of the House of Representatives. Critics may carp at the Ministry in regard to the making of appointments, but they cannot question the merit and right of the two new members to an honourable recognition of their work for New Zealand.