Untitled

Lyttelton Times, Volume LI, Issue 5589, 23 January 1879, Page 4

The Legislative Council is not in the habit of seizing every occasion to parade its grievances, nor does it defend itself against every attack that is made upon it. This reticence maintains the dignity of the Council, and is creditable to the high spirit of its members. An occasional speech in self-defence is, however, in view of the number of attacks made upon it, not only compatible with this view, but necessary. When such a thing is done it should be done well, with moderation, logical force, and an impartial tone. The very reasons which justify the existence of the Upper Chamber require compliance with these conditions from its members, even while engaged in speaking up for the status of the Chamber when menaced from without. That these conditions were fully complied with by the Hon John Hall at Akaroa, on Tuesday, must have been obvious to every reader of his speech. The necessity for a second Chamber, and the shelter which nomination gives to that Chamber from pressure of sudden popular excitement, were strong points of which Mr Hall made dispassionate but vigorous use. In dealing with the subject of possible differences of opinion between the two Chambers, he very happily seemed to contend not as a champion of the Council, but as a champion of truth. The true interests of the people undoubtedly require that the Upper Chamber shall be absolutely independent of the Lower. No one would like to see the Upper Chamber intimidated into any course. No question between the two Chambers should be placed on the basis of the pride of combat. Should they unhappily disagree, it is not a battle for supremacy that should ensue, but a discussion in the interests of justice. On the other hand,the public has aright to expect from the Upper Chamber a spirit of fairness, and a disposition not to ignore the popular will merely because it is the popular will. If the rest of the Legislature eschew like Mr Hall the ultra-combative spirit, and are, like him, anxious to treat all the popular wishes fairly and honourably, and without that persistent opposition which is incompatible with the function of their Chamber, which is to act as a check upon hasty legislation, then the Council will long command popular , support, and avoid unreasonable collision with the popular representatives. Mr Hall is apparently ready to accept the necessity of alteration of some kind and in this most people concur with him. But what will not be so readily accepted is his reference to the elective system. When he said he did not object to a change from the nominated to the elective system, ho evidently forgot that he had made a strong point of the support which nomination gives against popular pressure. Election is the very thing to overthrow the independence _of the Council. In Victoria, the elective Upper House is independent with a vengeance, for it has an independence dependent upon the will of constituents, and consequently without the power to yield gracefully when resist anco has ceased to be necessary of which power Mr Hall made 7 so much as a point in favour of the present Constitution. No one has shown any necessity for reform, founded upon the wrong doing of the Council. But as there is apparently trouble brewing for the Council it is wellnow to think of the reform, which would improve the Council before a struggle darkens the atmosphere too much for discussion. Retirement by rotation, and limitation of members, and their term of service, would we think, as long as the Council remains in the mood ° Mr Hall at Akaroa bo sufficient reform for all practical purposes.