AUCKLAND OPINIONS.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14978, 27 May 1914, Page 10

AUCKLAND OPINIONS.

<SPICIAE TO "THE PRESS.") AUCKLAND, May 2s. Th© proposal to group the city electorates does not find much favour m Auckland. - ;The Hon. E. Mitchelson, who, during his Parliamentary career, had experience of the old system of pooled icity seats, and also of the present 'method of single electorates, said when asked his opinion: "I do not think it is a wise proposal. The single electorates are - better,' in my opinion. If the single, electorates are good enough for the country, they should be good enough for tho towns. Vfith preferential voting the larger constituency 'would be necessary, but at present 1 don't think it is advisable. I certainly do believe in the preferential system, because, under it every man elected must represent a majority of votes, but under the present -first past the po3t' system, there will be a great deal of minority representation at the next general election," added Mr Mitchelson.

Mr Arthur Rosser, the well-known Labour leader, was approached for the attitude of Labour circles on the reported proposal. "At this early period we cannot give any definite opinion on the proposal," said Mr Rosser, on behalf of the Labour section. "The Social Democratic Party," he added, "has proportional representation as on© of the planks of its platform, but the telegram does not giv© us, any information as to whether it is 'first past tha post' system, proportional representation, or preferential voting that is intended Our proportional representation plank provides for th© application of''the system to the whole of'the Dominion, and not merely to isolated parts."