LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 7 November 1925, Page 7

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED

FOUR EX-LEGISLATORS.'

(By Telegraph.—Special to the Star). 1 ' WELLINGTON, Nov. 6. Four members of last Parliament, who did not seek re-election for the lower House, have been appointee members of the Legislative Council. They are: — • Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, former member for Ellesmere. ' Hon D. H. Guthrie, Oroua. George Witty, Riooarton. L M. Isitt, Christchurch North. , The new Councillorsi have each, along record of experience in the Representatives Chamber, Messrs Witty and Sir R. H. Rhodes being the oldest members! with continuous service in the last Parliament, next to the late Prime Minister. „ , .. . , , Mr Guthrie, who had Telmguished active control of the Lands and Soldiers Settlement in June, 1924, in favour of Mr McLeod, had continued to act as a fliember of the Executive Council without portfolio. >. THE COUNCIL LEADERSHIP.

The appointment of Sir H. Rhodes to the Legislative Council foreshadows the fact that he will succeed Sir Francis Bell as leader, if his health is sufnciently good to stand the strain. If Sir R. H. Rhodes is relieved of all hut the dutie s of leadership, it is quite probable that ; he could, without prejudice to his health, fin this position. The present leader, Sir Francis Bell, intends leaving New Zealand early in the New Year for England. It is reported that he will resign his Ministerial positions as Attorney-General and Minister for External Affairs, though he may retain his place on the executive and represent New Zealand in some of the discussions on the mandate system, which will take place during: his visit to, Europe. The Legislative Council, As a result of the new appointments, totals forty members, which may he regarded as practically its full strength.-