LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 25 January 1933, Page 9

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

NO IMMEDIATE INCREASE. PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) . WELLINGTON, Jan. 24. j It is not the intention of the Government to increase the personnel of the Legislative Council during the currency of the present session. The view of the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes), and apparently of Cabinet as well, is that the Tipper House, can continue to function satisfactorily on its reduced membership of 22, and no additional appointments are either desirable or necessary. Previously it was anticipated that the early part of the New Year would witness at least four additions to the group which comprises Parliament’s revisionary Chamber. At the time of those speculations it was not intended that Parliament should sit in January. The fact that the Prime Minister is holding the Attorney-Generalship in a temporary capacity has revived the rumour that this office is being reserved for Mr. Harold Johnston, K.C., should he be among the four chosen for elevation to the Upper House. However, this assumption can lie disregarded for the meantime. “There will he no appointments to the Legislative Council during the session,” said Mr. Forbes, when questioned to-day. “We have far too many important questions in hand to worry about additions to the Upper House.” Those whose names are still mentioned as being in the running for appointment when Cabinet decides to make an alteration are Sir James Gunson and Messrs Harold Johnston, T. AY. Rhodes and J. S. Dickson. Mr. Rhodes was formerly member for Thames and Air. Dickson for Parnell.