LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20218, 1 April 1929, Page 10

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

CHOOSING NEW MEMBERS. CLAIMS OF POLITICIANS. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, Saturday. The political correspondent of the Christchurch Star says:—"One of the most delicate matters which the Prime Minister will be required to deal with before the next session of Parliament commences will bo that of making appointments to the Legislative Council. It is understood, from an authoritative source, that twelve appointments are to be 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 Council, but it has never exceeded 53, ap,d at present there are 41 appointees. The term of appointment is seven years, and none of the sitting members is duo to retire this year.

"The change in Government has resulted in some amusing complications in regard to new appointments. It is well known that some of the Reform members of Parliament were promised appointment to the Council after the election, but the change of Government has taken the right of appointment out of the hands of Mr. Coates. Some of these members are said to be endeavouring to persuade Sir Joseph Ward to honour the promises made to them by Mr. Coates. There are 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 for appointment."