BY FRANK MORTON.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 28 October 1912, Page 3

BY FRANK MORTON.

TJia wet*k has been quiet. Politically, however, tilings have happened. Mr. Aiassey's ikhv .Land Bill has passed its second reading, the Legislative Council iias riung out the measure designed for its reform. Sir Joseph Ward has pub-li-cly rebuked Air. Mine for gratuitous impertinence, and Mr. Payne has made tho most offensive- and characteristic of all his recent speeches. That speech may bo passed with the reference, for tho papers did not trouble to report it. All that needs to bo said is that no man holding the views that Mr. Payne is pleased to profess can persuade me that ho has any right to take the Oath of Allegiance and sit in the legislative body of any British dominion. I might put it moro strongly, if Mr. Payne were worth powder and shot. As to the Ward-Hine matter—well, it is to be considered by Parliament, and may be left over.

As to tho Legislative Council, there is nothing new to be said. I believe in a second chamber, but must confess that the legislative councils of the Crown colonies and dominions have never impressed me favourably. To start with, they seem to be accepted as tho proper refuges for men wearing on to their dotage. They aro invariably sleepy and tedious and dull. When they aro elected councils, they are not a whit better. Tasmania has an elected Legislative- Council and it suggests nothing but a crowd of ancient fossils gradually undergoing obliteration. The Legislative- Council will only accept any measure oi: reform under compulsion: especially if that matter happens to originate with tho present Government.