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The motion was negatived. It is evident from these extracts and from the spirit of the debate that the speakers all based their remarks upon the necessity of giving Parliament further opportunity of legislating upon the matter ; and this is clearly set forth in the resolution upon which the debate took place. The Premier's remarks referred only to the coming recess ; it is impossible to suppose that he should pledge himself for all time to make no further appointments to the Legislative Council. His remarks were evidently governed by the hope which the Government then entertained —that legislation would then be possible; and it was only after two sessions had passed subsequently to this debate that he gave up this hope, and, deeming it necessary for the efficiency of the Council, recommended the appointment of a limited number of Councillors. In the session of 1890, on the 25th of July, the following resolution was proposed by Mr. Larnach : " That, in the opinion of this House, His Excellency the Governor should not be advised to make any appointments to the Legislative Council until after -the meeting of the next Parliament." This resolution was debated at length (the Premier did not speak, not being present), and, on a division, was rejected in a full House by a majority of 48 to 43. The Premier may also add that the policy of the present Ministry has always been to reform the constitution of the Council, and attempts were made in the late Parliament to do so, but failed of success. In the session of 1890 Sir G. Whitmore brought in a Bill having, inter alia, for its object the shortening of the term of the appointments from life to seven years. The Bill was amended by the Attorney-General in order to meet the views of the Government, and was cordially supported by the Government in the Council; but on a division on the third reading it was lost by ■a majority of 17 to 13. The Premier also takes this opportunity to inform His Excellency that the Opposition have been in office five years since 1877, and have appointed twenty-one members to the Legislative Council. The present party in power, having been in office eight years since 1877, have only so far appointed eight members (all of whom were appointed prior to the present Government coming into office), and they propose now to add seven to this number. 17th January, 1891. H. A. ATKINSON.

Enclosure 3. From the Hon. the Premier to His Excellency the Governor. (Telegram.) 19th January, 1891. The Cabinet has decided to respectfully recommend your Excellency to call the following gentlemen to the Legislative Council: Messrs. J. B. Whyte, Auckland ; J. D. Ormond, Hawke's Bay; C. J. Johnston, Wellington; C. C. Bowen, Canterbury; and J. Fulton and W. Downie Stewart, Otago. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure 4. From His Excellency the Governor to the Hon. the Premier. (Telegram.) 20th January, 1891. The Governor has received the Premier's telegram informing him that the Cabinet recommend him to call Messrs. Whyte, Ormond, Johnston, C. C. Bowen, Fulton, and Downie Stewart to the ■Council. In view of the Premier's memorandum of 17th December to the effect that, having regard to the uncertainty of the strength of parties in the House of Eepresentatives since the general election, it is desirable that Parliament shall be summoned at the earliest possible date, the Governor, before taking action on the recommendation tendered, requests the Premier to advise him whether the names that are suggested are in his opinion best calculated to strengthen the ■efficiency of the Upper House; and, further, whether they are the six names, if not in New Zealand, at least from among the supporters of the Government, best calculated to effect that object. Onslow.

Enclosure 5. From the Hon. the Premier to His Excellency the Governor. (Telegram.) 20th January, 1891. In reply to your Excellency's telegram re the appointment of Legislative Councillors, I have the honour to state that I have submitted it for the consideration of the Cabinet, and, in their opinion, the six names submitted from among the available supporters of the Government are those best ■calculated to strengthen the efficiency of the Council. H. A. Atkinson.

Enclosure 6. From His Excellency the Governor to the Hon. the Premier. (Telegram.) 20th January, 1891. Upon the assurance contained in the Premier's memorandum that the six names submitted are best •calculated to strengthen the efficiency of the Council, the Governor appoints Messrs. Whyte, Johnston, Ormond, Fulton, Downie Stewart, and Bowen to Legislative Council. Onslow. [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,300 copies), £2 Bs. c<3. J

By Authority: George Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9l.