THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3043, 10 July 1912, Page 10

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

QUESTION OF LEADERSHIP. PROTESTS AGAINST GOVERNMENT'S ACTION. WELLINGTON, July 2. When the Legislative Council met this afternoon the Acting-leader (the Hon. 0. Samuel; moved that the several sessional committees should be set up. Tho Hon. Mr Jenkinson moved as an amendment that in the opinion. of the Council a member of the Government holding a portfolio should be appointed as leader of the Council, and that no business be dene until that is done. He repeated the statements made by him on Saturday, and denied that ho had attempted to block business on the Imprest Supply Bill. Sevelal members of the Council had informed him that they were in accord with his views, but they did not think this was the proper time to raise tho question.' Mr Samuel explained that at the pre sent time the Government could not legally appoint a member of tho Cabinet as leader of the Council because tho available portfolios were filled. The Hon. Sir G. M'Lean : Why cannot one of them resign? Mr Samuel said he agieed in principle with Mr Jenkinson that it would be desirable t/j have a Minister in ue Council, but the position was as ho had stated it. He asked for the forbearance of the Council, and urged that they should allow the ordinary machinery to be set up The Hon. Mr Callan agreed with Mr Jenkinson that a most unconstitutional course was being pursued in not appointing a Minister as leader of the Council. All the leading authorities were at one on that point. Tho Hon. Sir G. M'Lean said he thought that representations on the matter should be made otherwise the Council would not know where it stood. It was for the Government to set the matter right. They wanted a Minister of the Crown to represent the GoveniuiL'.it in the Council, and should have ono appointed. Tho Hon. Mr Rigg pointed out that the whole of the circumstances were exceptional, and it was doubtful if the Government could have got a person to accept a Ministerial position in the Council. He wes, however, in sympathy with the m«t ion.

Tho Hon. Mr Paul said ho was always more concerned about the usefulness of the Council than about its dignity. But how could its usefulness be conserved without a Minister to lead it? Under no circumstances could the business of the Council be properly conducted without the presence of a Minister of the Crown. The Hon. Mr Carncross said he thought the business might go on so long as no nolicy measures were brought down. The Hon. Mr Wigram said he could not support the amendment, as, if it were earned, it would be used for party purposes. He agreed, however, that a Minister of the Crown should be the leader of tho Council. After some further discussion, in which the constitutional aspect and tho present unusual conditions were discussed, tho amendment was lost by 17 votes to 7. For the amendment: 'Jhe Hon. Messrs Callan, Luke. Bail lie, Paul, Jenkinson, Johnston, Sir G. M'Lean. Against the amendment: The Hon. Messrs Samuel, Rigg, Carncross, Bcehan, Sir W. Steward, George, Baldey, Smith, Collins, M'Cardle, Kelly, Anstey, Harris, Thompson, Wigram, Duncan, Mills. The sessional committees were then set up.