TRUE PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1813, 28 July 1913, Page 4

TRUE PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION.

Sir,—Just a few lilies upon this important subject. The total population of New Zealand at last census (1911) was 1,008,408 persons. Calculated upon a percentage basis at various ages, the numbers come out thus:— • Of total population. Under 20 years of age 40.18 per cent. Between 20 and 35 years ... i 28.82 per cent. Between 35 and 50 years ... 17.47 per cent. Over 50 years 13.53 per cent. Our present voting system is illogical and unlair. Wo exclude those under 21 (say, 41 per cent, of the population) from voting. Why? Because of youth and inexperience. Taking next tlioso from 21 years to 35 years ot age, the least experienced of all votera and susceptible to inllucuces which would be disregarded in later years— these number, say, 28 per cent, of tho whole. That is the youthful, irresponsible, and generally unmarried class Havo tho greatest voting power,. and tlio most say under our present representative system.. What, then, is tho remedy? It is to givo extra voting power to tho class who, though numerically the weakest, are tho thinking, sagacious, and far-seeing portion of the electors, and who have gained wisdom by the only true way, experience, so as to at least equalise their voting power. In illustration of the principle, I would give: Tlioso 21 to 35 years of age 1 vote Those 35 to 50 years : 2 votes Tlioso 50 upwards 3 votes This would be true proportional representation upon true democratio lines.—l am, etc., „ „ , D.K.J.