REFORM OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5655, 28 August 1896, Page 5 (Supplement)

REFORM OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

The Auckland Star remarks : — The true significance of the Premier's Bill to amend the Constitution lies not so much in the actual proposals embodied in the measure as in the fact that it has been thought advisable to introduce amending legislation of any kind at all. The common tendency in a matter of such fundamental importance as the Constitution is to allow things to remain as they are, and it is evidence of a very great change in the mental attitude of the people when they display such a readiness to entertain Mr Seddon's proposals as they do at this moment. The opponents of the Government may, of course, endeavour to throw ridicule or discredit on the Bill which has come before the House, and we are not going to discuss the precise value of the provisions it contains ; but the curious reception which has been accorded to the measure is the point which is of chief consequence. The electors recognise the need for parliamentary reform. They see pretty plainly that there is room for improvement, not in one but in many directions, and although it may not be equally clear to them how improvement is best to be effected, they are willing to turn their attention to the problem, and to have it brought into the forefront among those political questions on which they are called to decide.

The Premier's Bill for the amendment of the Constitution Act will (the Oaviaru Mail thinks) meet with a hearty welcome throughout the country. For years there has been a strong agitation for a reform of the Legislative Council, comprehensive and drastic. We have always held to the view that a second Chamber in a purely democratic country is an anomaly — a sort of fifth wheel to a coach adding little to its appearance and nothing to its efficiency. But we recognise the fact that it would be futile to attempt the abolition of the Upper House, and that as the country seems to be wedded to the idea of a bi-cameral Legislature, the work of the earnest reformer lies in the direction of so altering the Constitution that it may be brought more closely into touch with popular political sentiment. By this means it would be deprived of much of its power for mischief, while it might also be rendered capable of doing much good work. It has been urged by many that the Upper House, if it is to be continued in existence, Bhotild be made amenable to the public by being made elective ; but to that proposal we cannot give our assent, for the reason that were the second Chamber made elective the first result would be a conflict between the two Houses. The Upper House, being elective, would claim to be equally representative of the will of the country with the popular Chamber, and would be found claiming co-ordinate powers. Such a condition would soon become unbearable, and the interests of the country would probably suffer to a greater extent than they do under the present 6ystem, bad as it is. The Premier has, therefore, taken the right course in proposing what is after all a very moderate and reasonable reform. * * * Whether the Council will be willing to assent to the proposed change is extremely doubtful. A majority of its members are still "lifers," and, though several of these are either unfit for service or are becoming so, it is questionable if they will assent to legislative extinction. As to the proposal to render women eligible for seats in the Council there will, of course, be a wide difference of opinion ; but there can be no such difference about the wisdom of the provision made for the two Chambers sitting as one for the settlement of differences of opinion, and for remitting certain questions direct to the people. The measure is an intelligent and exceedingly reasonable attempt to settle a vexed question, and will do a great deal to strengthen the Ministry in the country.