LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 48, 21 February 1912, Page 5

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20

(Per Press Association.l

Wellington, February 20. The Council mot at 2.30 p.m. Hon. Mr Oallan, in moving the Ad-dross-in-Reply, said that the Speech vindicated the Government’s claim to be called a Liberal Government. He agreed avitli most of the proposals, but the details Avere open to censure in some cases. He condemned striker as barbarous, and hoped that the utterances of the labour leaders in Australia Avould bo taken to heart. He Avas not opposed to change in the constitution of the Council. If the Council Avas elected it Avould suiwive. He gave a qualified approA r al to the local government scheme. Hon. Barr seconded. Ho agreed Avith tho necessity for alteration in the constitution of the Council. Referring to the land system, he pointed to the necessity for putting an end to all gambling in land and the adoption of a scheme to secure to the community a reasonable part of the increment of land values. He Avould support the proposal for removing from Parliament such matters as roads and bridges. On labour matters, he up held the Arbitration Act, and spoke, in condemnation of strikes, either sectional or general. He said a huge majority favoured arbitration as against strikes. Hon. Paul believed that many of the proposals in the Speech Avould be carried out in their time to the benefif of the country. He contended that Parliamentary reform aa’ias essential ir both Houses, but vieAved tiie Government’s proposal regarding the Counci as reactionary.

Hon. McGoAA’an spoke briefly,,advo eating life appointment for member; of the Council.

Tho motion AA’as carried, and Alu Council rose.