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Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 5, 4 December 1884, Page 2

Writing on the reform of the House of Lords, the Times remarks : — While many hereditary peers are very able men, taking a keen and intelligent interest m public affairs, many are far from conspicious for intelligence or public spirit. Would it not bo possible to attach to membership of the Upper House some other condition than birth, and to make it the coveted distinction of patrician merit? Together with the reduction of the hereditary members, there might well be a more liberal infusion for life of commoners who have proved themselves worthy to share m the high 'functions of the Upper House, aud who would bring to it much valuable information gleaned m fields not always .open to pears. As a general result of measures which we indicate m the most general way, it is conceivable that the whole body ot peers selected, elected, hereditary, or sitting for life, might aquire a judicial tone, placing them beyond the reach of 1 partisan motives, aud* fitting them to promote national harmony and national interests. Iv that" way the House of i Lords might become tho revered custo- ! dian of tho liberties of a great people, and enter upon a new career worthy of the best traditions of its past.