THE UPPER HOUSE

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 73, 30 March 1929, Page 6

THE UPPER HOUSE

TWELVE NEW MEMBERS?

DELICATE SITUATION

(By Telegraph.) (Special to "The Evening Post.")

CHRISTCHtfRCH, This Day.

Tho Chriatchiirch "Star's" political correspondent says_: "One of the most delicate matters which the Prime Minister will require to deal with -before the next session of Parliament commences will bo that of making appointments to the Legislative Council. It is understood from an authoritative source that twelve appointments are to be made this year, aud that already about 200 names of persons suggested for appointment have been submitted to Sir Joseph Ward. There is no limit to the number of appointments that may be made to tho Council, but it has never exceeded 53, and at present there are 41 appointees. TUe term of the appointment is seven years, and none of the sitting members are due to retire this year.

"The change in Government has resulted in some amusing complications in regard to tho new appointments. It is well known that some of the Reform members of Parliament who did not stand for i-e-election to tho House last year wore promised au appointment to the Council after the election, but the change of Government has taken tho right of the appointment out of the hands of Mr. Coates. Some" of theso members arc said to be endeavouring to persuade Sir Joseph Ward to honour the promises made to them by Mr. Coates. There are also several staunch Liberals who did not seek re-election to the House at the last election, and, although they retired without the expectation of going to the Upper House, it is considered that they have good claims to appointment. A number of others who have not been in Parliament during.recent years are also being suggested for appointment." :