LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL REFORM.

Otago Witness, Issue 3111, 29 October 1913, Page 81

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL REFORM.

OPINION'S OF HON. J. T. PAUL.

A FEW REMARKS ON LABOUR.

Tho Hon. J. T. Paul took advantage of the adjournment of the Legislative Council last week to make a brief trip to Dunedin. Mr Paul has taken up a firm attitude on the need of reform in the election of representatives to the Legislative Council, and was interviewed by a Daily Times reporter yesterday on this much-discussed subject. "What is the present position in regard to tho reform of the Legislative Council ! asked the reporter. . “The reform of the Legislative Council is out of the question for the present session, ' replied Mr Paul, “ but we have the assurance of the Government that it will do its best to carry out its election pledges in this connection.” Continuing’, Mr Paul spoke as .follows: —“ Personally I believe the reform referred to is comparatively near at hand. The nominative system must be superseded, as such a system in many of our local bodies has been superseded. Perhaps the most remarkable thing in connection with this reform has been the admission by many of the members of the Legislative Council that some change must now be made. Several of these members previously opposed any kind of change, holding that the nominative principle was the best for the constitution of the Second Chamber. Their change of front is, to my idea, a distinct sign of the times. Where I differ from them is that I consider more than a mere change is necessary—something in the nature of real reform • must be effected. I am certain the democracy of our day cannot be deluded into accepting a mere change as a tangible reform. In my opinion the pro posal of the Government for an elective Legislative Council on proportional representation is real reform. Believing that I have supported the Government’s proposals on this question on every opportunity. Nevertheless, I consider that the best system for this country—accepting the idea that it is impossible at tne present moment to have a truly representative Lower House —which only a proportional system can give us —is the Norwegian This system would give to the people of this country closer and better representation in Parliament than they have at the present time, and would ensure what to my mind is indispensable —that every legislator has a direct mandate from the people Shortly, the adoption of the Norwegian system would mean that we would elect at the polls, say, 120 members, and on the assembling of the new Parliament a proportion of members would be selected toJorm the Second or Revising Chamber, and, naturally, the men of experience and sound judgment •would be called to this responsible duty. This system has resulted in Norway having one of the most effective and successful chambers existing in any part of the world. Latterly, several writers on constitutional -stTFijccts —have given considerable attention to this successful system, and, having studied the working of Second Chambers in most other countries, I have come to the conclusion that the needs of the dominion would be best served by some modification of the Norwegian system. Whether, however. it is adopted or not, I feel convinced that some considerable measure of reform will be brought about in the constitution of our Council within the next few years.” Touching on Labour matters, the reporter asked Mr Paul whether he had found any opinions as to the progress, or the present position, of the movement set afoot as a result of tho July Conference. Mr Paul replied: “Tb" July c'-fer—-•was called to establish labour unity. Immediately after the congress I stated that the constitutions there agreed on could not possibly bring about labour unity, and the results have proved the correctness of my prophecy. Such unity, unfortunately, has not been established, and judging by the outcome of the various ballots the majority of tho labour organisations have decided not to affiliate with any of the national organisations at present in existence. This statement applies equally to tho United Labour party, the Social Democratic party, and the United Federation of Labour. The position is an exceedingly unfortuato one, and unless labour is prepared to occupy a position out of all proportion to its numerical strength and its importance as a factor in the field of politics, further efforts must be made to achieve unity. I still believe there is a very strong desire for unity, but ia can only bo established by a sound evolutionary labour programme and constitution.”