Next Step For The Geic

Proposals for new constitutional changes in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony, introduced into the House of Representatives in March and to be discussed at its next meeting in May, will give the colony a “membership” ministerial system.

The proposals were made by a special constitutional committee set up by the House. The main points: • The House of Representatives to be replaced by a Legislative Council, with 23 elected members, five official members, plus the Resident Commissioner as president. It would have a life of three years. Four elected members would come from the Ellice Islands, as at present. • The Governing Council to be replaced by an Executive Council of 10 members—the five official members of the Legislative Council and five elected members of the council, including the Leader of Govern ment Business. The Leader of Government Business would select the four elected members in consultation with the Resident Commissioner. Three of these members would represent the central and northern Gilberts and Ocean Island, the south Gilberts and the Ellice Islands. • The Leader of Government Business to be elected by members of the Legislative Council, to replace the current Chief Elected Member.

Members of the Executive Council would be given responsibilities for certain portfolios by the Resident Commissioner, who would himself hold reserve powers.