THE EDITOR, Sir:

That our Constitution is the child of historical imperialist Britain, which has been struggling to attain substantial democracy against its persistent inherent conservatism, cannot be contradicted. The result is that we have a constitution that is fraught with too many undemocratic principles and institutions and cries for constitutional reform.

Take, for example, the appointment of a powerful person such as a Prime Minister. Why should a Prime Minister not be elected by the people instead of being appointed by the Governor-General on undemocratic conventions of a political party; such conventions being in substance appointment by a few party delegates?

Another serious problem is the system of the appointment of judges. Why should judges not be drawn from the widest possible pool rather than the narrow confines of the civil service? And why should not there be public hearings on the suitability of judges to be appointed to the superior courts?

The old order must change, yielding place to the new, if the new is more progressive and democratic. In this context, politicians must commit themselves to serving the people instead of serving political parties even if the policy of those parties is outmoded and undemocratic.

Let there be constitutional change.

I am, etc.,

OWEN S. CROSBIE

3 Hotel Street

Mandeville