REDUCED UPPER MOUSE

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 13 October 1932, Page 6

REDUCED UPPER MOUSE

QUESTION OF REPLACEMENTS. NOTHING YET DECIDED. (By ■ Telegraph—Press Association). WELLINGTON, Oct. 12. Concerning the question oif appointments and re-appointments to the New Zealand Legislative Council, the Prime Minister, the Et. Hon. G. AY. Forbes, chooses still to be mysterious. 1 ‘V: e will decide when the time comes,” lie said on Tuesday evening with reference to the position of Sir Heaton Rhodes and the Hons. L. M. fsiitt and G. Witty, whose terms will expire on October 28. "We have given no consideration to the matter,” was Mr Forbes’ reply to a second question whether any new appointments to the Council were contemplated. Regarding the first question, it is being freely stated that the Government will be very reluctant to- lose the services of Sir Heaton Rhodes, who had extensive Ministerial experience during his period in the House of Representative*'.

There have been no recent re-appoint-ments. but in view of the Council’s greatly reduced strength, it seems likely ithat early steps will have to be taken to build up the membership, which is at present only 23. However, apart from possible re-appointments, it is considered that the Government is not likely to take action in connection with the membership of flic Council until aftei this session.