THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL RUMOUR.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 139, 13 June 1908, Page 5

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL RUMOUR.

COMMENTS BY THE LYTTELTON TIMES. IJFROM OUR. CORRESPONDENT.] CHRISTCHURCH, June 12. TheVLyttelton Times, in an editorial article to-day, says:—"Probably the rumor that is being circulated in Wellington to the .-effect thajb the. Hon. C. H. Mills has 'a standing promise' from the Prime Minister that he will bo called, to the Legislative Council whenever he chooses to retire from the House of Representatives rests on' no better 'foundation than the street gossip of the capital city. There are always' a number of wiseacres who know a, great deal more about Ministers' doings and intentions than Ministers know themselves; biit the mere fact that the rumour is in circulation shows how important it- is that Sir Joseph Ward should disabuse the public mind of the idea that seats in the Council are bartered away years in advance for party or personal services. Mr Mills has been a member of the House since the Liberal, revival of 1891, and it is quite possible that he might render useful service to the country in the other branch, of the Legislature; but there is no reason why he should be assured of a safe haven in the event of his retirement 'from the. Representative' Chamber. As a matter of fact, there is not the 1 slightest need for any additional appointments of any kind to the Council at the present time. When additional appointments are desirable Mr Mills's claims may be very properly ' considered, but in the meantime ft .would be a deplorable misuse of Ministerial patronage "-to- foist anymore nominated legislators upon the commiiiaity.''