NOTES AND COMMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8258, 22 October 1912, Page 4

NOTES AND COMMENTS

Tho public speaking class conducted by Mr Mills held its first, session on Tuesday last. The interest in the work in tho first session was so marked that a largo number of new members are already reported for the second mooting of tho class. The university men who are now taking tho examinations have made special arrangements by which they will bo able to make up their necessary absences during the next three weeks alter their bxaminations are over. Others who have not found it possible to be present at the first lesson will be given a like opportunity. Several of those present are reported to liavo said that the first evening’s lesson was worth a good deal more than the charges for the whole course. The subject of to-night’s study is "Gathering the Materials in the Preparation of a Speech.” These wishing to join the class should communicate at onoo with tho secretary. Air John Raine, 30, Cuba street, telephone 1280. It is always better to obtain something by permission than by coercion. A Government should never forget that moral barriers should bo raised before they are necessary. When they become necessary it is too late to build them. PARLIAMENTARY REFORM. It is quite Likely that at least fourfifths, and probably a larger proportion, of the people of New Zealand stand for proportional representation, not for the Upper House alone, but for the Lower House as well.

The discussions eon earning proportional representation in the election of the Upper . House, as proposed in the Bill introduced into that body and the series of votes in tho Lower House with regard to the Massey resolution,- on the construction of the Upper House, confirm the position that the overwhelming majority of the people prefer that whoever shall have voice in making the laws of the country shall bo elected, not appointed, and shall be elected so that each portion of the community will be represented in the legislative body, in proportion to its strength in the community, not by a majority of tho whole, for. then tho minority, must remain without proper representation in legislative bodies.

The Upper House affirmed its belief in the Bill, and postponed further consideration. The Lower House has affirmed belief in the Bill, but instead of passing it as an original measure in the Lower House they passed a series of resolutions, and tho Government proposes, so it is said, to appoint a sufficient number of Upper House members bo that tho character of the Upper House shall be so transformed that reform measures sent from the Lower House will bo sure to bo adopted.

It is suggested that if this is done the first measure to bo sent up from the Lower House should bo one in favor of proportional representation for both Houses. If it is true, as is claimed, that tho Massey Government is not flaying for partisan efioct, but is sincerely anxious to promote the common' good, that will bo the most effective way not only to demonstrate its sincerity, but to actually promote the public good.