THE PELORUS GUARDIAN TUESDAY. OCTOBER, 7,1890 The Second Chamber.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 1, Issue 73, 7 October 1890, Page 2

THE PELORUS GUARDIAN TUESDAY. OCTOBER, 7,1890 The Second Chamber.

Fos-a good many years the feeling has been growing stronger dayby day that a reform in the Legislative Council is absolutely necessary, and some even go so far as to say that it should be abolished altogether. The whole question has been argued to death, and to say anything new on the subject seems almost impossible. That some check is required to prevent hasty legislation is generally admitted by those who have had sufficient experience to enable them to offer an opinion, but, on the other hand, the same men desire to see some alteration effected so that the Council will be more in accord with public opinion. With regard to abolishing the second Chamber altogether, much can be said against such a course being taken. It is well known that individuals are very apt to act on the impulse of the moment, as we frequently hear the old sayings, "looking before leaping," "second thoughts are always best," " think twice before you speak once," and so on. Then we know there are many 'men of ability who make it a rule to "sleep on" any important matter besore they will offer an opinion or. take action, thus clearly showing that individuals find it wise to put a check on their own actions. Mr Ballance, who at one time wished to abolish the Upper House altogether, afterwards admitted that he had found from experience that a second Chamber was necessary; and there is not the slightest doubt that a check is required to prevent hasty legislation. Members of the House of Representatives who are, perhaps, flushed with the excitement of an election contest are liable to act in too great a hurry, especially when urged on by their constituencies. Coming to the question of what would constitute the most useful check on hasty legislation, there are many ways which have been adopted and others suggested. Jn Norway, for instance, there is a provision in their constitution which makes it imperative that any inacfcment haying for its object any alteration or amendment of the constitution, shall, after being introduced, stand over for three years before being acted upon, Earl Grey, who made a great study of fche subject, suggested that eight or ten life members, chosen by the Assembly, should have seats in the House itself, and thus do away with a second Chamber altogether. J3e considered Jihat this plan would meet all the requirements necessary to check rash legislation. Then, again, we have the elective principle introduced in the choice of a second chamber, | but the objections urged against it are I that both the Upper and Lower House, by such a system, are made too much like each other. While we do not at all agree with those who advocate a second Chamber elected by the people, we are decidedly of the opinion that a 1 reform in'our present system is absolutely necessary. There is a great deal in the plan suggested by Earl Grey to recommend it, and by which the Lpw.er House would apt be deprived of the services and advice of some of the ablest men in the country, bat jf we are to have two Chambers w,e think one elected by the House'of Eepresen'tatSw/j, and not the country, •say, every five op Jsi years, would result in -the advance of pjibljc ppinion being more fully considered. &li £he i present #in# we have men who, ;in a j great measure, formed opinions a ; quarter of .a .century ggjo, and it is; difficult for tfm.fo ml wtik :#»«; times. Then, again, tfye lmsl4 #?4i capital interest in the present Cpuncji: is a great deal too strong to allow of

any liberal measures on the land or labour questions being allowed to pass, and some alteration in its present constitution seems absolutely necessary.

Mr John Kerr.

Politicians, as a rule, get plenty of abuse and not many thanks for their services, but this, in many cases, may be deserved, especially when it happens that a candidate has over-rated himself, and the constituency have followed suit, because we must all find our level sooner or later, and " public opinion," which is a host in itself, generally comes out right in the end. On the other hand, some men have been returned to Parliament of whom very little was expected, and very soon after the electors were most agreeably disappointed, such an one was Mr John Kerr, member for the late Motueka district, for, during his term of office (having been twice elected), the interests he was sent to represent have always been carefully watched and zealously protected, while his shrewd common-sense tact and good temper made friends where some men would have only made enemies. We now learn that he has retired in favour of Mr 0. H, Mills, and was entertained by his old supporters at Wakefield at a banquet, so, as the exception proves the rule, we congratulate Mr Kerr on the high esteem he has secured by his straightforward consistent conduct, and we congratulate the constituency who recognised what was due to their sturdy figure head. As good sound politicians are scarce we trust the country will not lose Mr Kerr's services, but that he will buckle on his armour once more for the Nelson City, and we have no need to tell those electors to adopt every constitutional means to secure such fearless services.