STRENGTHENING THE COUNCIL.

Evening Star, Issue 8613, 5 September 1891, Page 2

STRENGTHENING THE COUNCIL.

CAtLS DURING THE RECESS. [Fokti Oob Pabiiam'kntabt Rmpoktkb.J WELLINGTON, 5. Reading between (ho lines of what took place af the Interview narrated below, It will be seen that the Premier thinks that •'calls” to the Legislative Council should be made in the near future, and that in suefa appointments the claims of the laboring classes or the “masses,” as he terms them, ought not to be overlooked. 'Haring the sapper adjournment last night a deputation waited on the Premier with the view of presenting him with a resolution at the pubHo meeting which had been held earlier In the evening, together with rosolntiona passed by the Trades Council. ’The Premier, in reply, said that he most admit that the Legislative Council r aa at present constituted, represented the dosses, not the masses. At the present time there was not a single labor representative in the Upper Honse. In the opinion of some people, this, was quite right, but for himself be thought the position was an unfortunate one, He boned .that the Council Reform Bill would become law, and would prove a safe and judicious reform. The relationship between the two Chambers was prejudicial to the progress of necessary and useful legislation, and it was detimble that stops should be taken tp alter this condition « affairs. As, however, he did not believe In wing threats, he was not prepared to say what course, under certain circumstances, the Government wonld be prepared to toko. Be, however, thanked the deputation for their resolution, and strongly advised them to continue their efforts to organise labor so as to make it a powerful political factor in the future. In reply to a member of the deputation, the Premier said he thought that a Second Chamber was desirable, and, safely constituted, would have a steadying effect on legislation. A Second Chamber was an advantage, so long as it did not prove obstructive or destructive. He differed with those who thought that one Chamber was sufficient; at the same time, he admitted that the present position was unsatisfactory, and some remedy would probably have to be sought. But, as be had said before, he was not prepared to say what the Intentions of the Government were.