P.R.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18233, 18 November 1924, Page 13

P.R.

CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION. A proposition to revert to the proportional representation system of electing Councillors was discussed at tLe meeting of tho City Council last night. Cr. E. MeCombs moved: "That the Christchurch City Council mako a special order adopting tho General Elections Proportional Representation Act, 1914, with respect to all general elections of Councils held after three months of making such order. Cr. MeCombs taid the present Council. elected on a proportional representation basis, v.as a throughly representative one j and tho success of tbe new method of election had proved a fine advertisement for the city. If proportional representation was repealed, there would inevitably bo a return to tho ward system, and provision would have to bo made for the new areas. The Mayor: The wards have gone. The motion was seconded by Cr. F. R> Cooke.

Cr. It. T. Armstrong said the motion, if passed, would have to be confirmed at a later meeting. It seemed to him that if proportional representation was abolished the Council would have to revert to the ward system of election.

Or. W. E. Loadley said the matter should be discussed by a full Council. Personally, he would rather have proportional representation than go back to the ward system. The Mayor: There is no occasion to go back to the ward systejn. Cr. C. P. Agar said the Council had on two occasions previously rejected proportional representation bv nine votes to eight, and the only absentee that evening was Cr. Howard, who supported proportional representation. Ou the last division the Council was advised that on the abolition of proportional representation the whole citv would become one ward for the election of a new Council on the first past the post principle. .Cr. J. Iv. Archer said if the mino>nty of>uld not express themselves at Council meetings then they would oxpress themselves outside. It was in the interests of good government that minorities should bo represented on public bodies. . The Mayor said the Municipal ciati<yi Council advised that tho revocation of P.R. did not restore the ward system. The city heciun© an undivided borough and could only advert to ward system by special resolution. Cr. A, W, Heaven said he was still a supporter of P.R. The Mayor said he did not think the people of Christchurch would be so unEair as to deprive siny section of its proper representation; no matter what system of election was employed. The motion was pub and lost on the easting vote of the Mayor, the voting heing Ayes (8): Crs. Beaven, Winsor, Archer, Carr, McCoinJbs, Cooke, Armstrong and Leadley; Noes (S): Crs. Williams, McKelLnr, Beanland, Andrews, Agar, O. Anderson, J, Andersen, arid the Mayor. The Mayor said he would give liis. casting vote for the Noes, as that represented the decision already given by a full Council.