LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 3 April 1929, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

COM ING APP()I N'TMEXTS

(Lyttelton Times;

Olio of the most, delicate matters which the Prime Minister will require to deal with before the next session of Parliament commences will lie that of making appointments to the Legislative Council. It is understood from an authoritative source that twelve appointments are to he made this year, and that already about 200 names of persons 'suggested for appointment have been submitted to Sir Joseph "Ward.

There is no limit to the number of appointments that may be made to the Legislative Council, hut it has never exceeded fifty-throe, and at present there arc forty-one appointees. The term of appointment is seven years, and none of the sitting members are due to retire this year.

The change in the Government has resulted in some amusing complications in regard to new appoinameiils. It is well known that some of the lieform members -;;f Parliament who did not stand for rc-election to the Mouse last year were promised appointment to the Legislative Council after the election, but the change of Government has taken the right of appointment out <>f the hands of Mr Coates. Some of these members are said to be endeavouring to persuade Sir Joseph AVard to honour the promises made to them by Mr Coates. There arc also several staunch Liberals who did not seek re-election to the House at the last election, and although they retired without expectation of going to the Upper House it is considered that they have good claims to appointment. A number of others who have not been in' Parliament during recent years are also being suggested tor appointment, and Sir Joseph Ward will he laced with a particularly delicate task in reducing the number to twelve.

The honorarium paid to monitors of the Legislative Council is £Bl5 a year, and monitors are also allowed travelling expenses actually incurred in going to and from Parliament.