THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CI, Issue 11901, 26 May 1899, Page 4

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

The rumour mentioned by our Wellington correspondent this morning that the Hofi T. Thompson will not seek re-election to the House of Representatives, but will be elevated to the Legislative Council at the close of next session, probably originated in the fertile imagination of some enterprising journalist. Its publication, will, however, direct public attention to the] fact that no fewer than ten vacancies will occur in the roll of the Upper Chamber 1 whiie Parliament is sitting this year. It is tolerably safe to predict that the majorityof these will be filled by tire re-appointmenfj of the old members, but there are <me ot two gentlemen who can hardly expect td return to the Council during the admicds-i tration of the present Government. ThaiHon John MacGregor has already accepted' the inevitable, and announced his intention) to contest a seat in the other branch Of thej Legislature, and perhaps the Hon W, Jennings may deem it expedient to appeal, from the Ministry to the people. Therel will, at any rate, be two or three vacancies! at the disposal of the Ministry, and Wflj trust that the Premier will fill them in aj way that will reflect credit upon 'the party] he represents. It is, perhaps, rather toqj much to hope that he wil so far disregard the traditions of party government .as toi offer seats in the Council to Sir John HMll and the Hon W. Eolleston, bub many qfi his political friends would appreciate a| tribute of that kind to gentlemen who have) spent many of the best years of their life] in the service of the; colony. In any case*) we trust that Mr Seddon will not baj tempted to find an asyllum for one of hid own colleagues in the Legislative Council.) That would be a method of reconstructing] the Ministry which only the most blindedf partisan could applaud.