20 FEBRUARY 1926, Page 3

- We • have received several letters from Australian correspondents about

the Constitutional crisis in New South Wales. The Premier, Mr. Lang, whose legislation was held up by the Legislative Council (or Upper House), demanded that the Governor, Sir Dudley De Chair, should nominate enough new compliant members to the Legislative Council to pass the legislation. The Governor 'at first refused, but later asked for instructions from London. The instructions from London were to the effect that he should settle matters with his Ministers. In the end he consented to a swamping nomination of new members. Our indignant correspondents point out that Mr. Lang has been guilty of very sharp political practice, as his majority at the elections was a tiny one, and; judged by the actual number of votes cast, he was in a minority. The prospect now is that the Government will abolish the Legislative Council. We sincerely hope that this will not happen, as it has fulfilled its function as a revising and checking Chamber with wisdom and restraint. The members of the Legislative Assembly have of late been not much more than the obedient servants of the Labour organizations.