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Timaru Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4895, 19 July 1890, Page 2

Sir George Whitmore's Legislative Council Bill, which passed its second reading ia the Council on Wednesday lust, is a. very Bhort measure bat it makes an important alteration m the constitution of the second chamber. It provides that — " From and aft«r the passing of this Act all members appointed by the Governor ,to tbe Legislative Council shall be appointed for ten years only : Provided that members so appointed shall, when their term of office is completed, or m the event of their resignation before the completion of their term of office, be eligible for reappqi,ntment by the Governor." The reform, if tbe alteration is to be regarded m that light, is not likely to satisfy a good many of the socalled Liberal party who are m the habit of attacking the Council m season and out of season. Some of tho reformers, Mr Ballanco among the number, would be well pleased to see the Legislative Council abolished altogether, whilst others would prefer to make it im elected chamber. However, Sir George's Bill will be accepted us im instalment by Mr Eallunco und his friends, and it cannot bo deuied that it gives the opportunity for shelving nßcless Councillors after v certain rather lengthened period. At tbe same time it provides for reappointmeot if the ex-member appears to the' Government' of. the .day' to vbe deserving'^of "the distinction. The majority of.. the ( Council seem to have accepted the Bill ns a means of staving oC the worse evil of extinction, and Sir George Whittnore himself put forwnrd that plea. The only remaining section of tbo Bill provides for the appointment of the Spenker of the Council by the Council, instead of by the Governor as is the case at present. The Speaker is to be appointed for ten years, ami tho chbico of the Connoil is to . be confirmed by the Governor before it becomes effectual. The Bill is almost certain to be passed by tbe Council, and tbe House of Representatives is hardly likely to reject it.