LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XVIII, Issue XVIII, 4 September 1912, Page 5

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE ELECTIONS BILL

BX TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION

WELLINGTON, Sep. 3. Mr Bell moved the committal of the Legislative Council Elections Bill, and in his speech anticipated the amendment of which Mr Urmond had given notice, namely, that the Council, having reaffirmed the principle of election for that body, it is not advisable to proceed further with the Bill, in order that the electors should have time to consider the proposals in the measure. The Minister urged that as the Council had decided on the principle of election, the question of method of election should be decided in committee. The postponement of the question would postpone not only the details but the principle also. It would be of value to the country if election by the people were rejected and secondary election preferred to know that fact, and the majority by which the decision was arrived at. It' would 'be far more in keeping with the dignity of the Council that it should proceed to deal with a matter which it had declared should be given effect to than to postpone it till a time when many members would not have the power of considering the question. He considered that those hon. gentlemen who held their seats by appointment should themselves consider this question of reform. He failed to see in what way postponement for a year could enlighten the people on the subject if the matter were not discussed in its details. If it were the opinion of the Council that the matter should be at an end for this year, no one could deny their right to so decide, but consideration should not be denied to the reasons he had advanced.

Mr Ormond said that the question was simply whether they would not achieve their end better by delay than by immediate action. The Council were in favor of the voice of the people, but other grounds had not been ■affirmed by the people. The division of the country into two electorates was not desired. On the franchise, too, there was disagreement, and tne people had a right to be consulted on ■those points. As to how an opinion could be gained before next session, he contended that members of the House would have to meet their constituents, and thus in some way some opinion from the people would be gained. He did not think the Government would make appointments to the Council while this measure was under discussion. To send the Bill to another place now would occupy much valuable time that should be given to other important matters.

Mr Rigg seconded the amendment, though he was opposed to it, but he felt compelled to vote for it, as he did not wish the Bill to become law.

Messrs Wigram, Paul, Steward, Loughnan and McCardle favored consideration of the details in committee.

The debate was adjourned, and the Council rose at -5.30 p.m.