COUNTRY QUOTA

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 84, 6 October 1938, Page 20

COUNTRY QUOTA

WILL GOVERNMENT

ACT?

INTENTION NOT CLEAR

As farmers and others who live in country electorates are concerned regarding the possible abolition of the country quota, the New Zealand Farmers' Union has approached the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) with a request for a statement on the matter. The union has been advised by Mr. Savage that the electoral law will be investigated, but Mr. Savage did not state what the Government's intentions regarding the country quota are. The Prime Minister's reply to the inquiry and subsequent telegrams are as follows:— Secretary, New Zealand Farmers* Union, Wellington. "Replying your telegram, representations have been made to Government from time to time urging that the electoral legislation should be amended, and it is the, intention of the Government to have a full investigation into the whole electoral system with a view to giving consideration to the many points which have j been raised by people and organisations. In the meantime you may rely upon it that no alteration will be made in the electoral laws.—M. J. Savage." Prime Minister, Invercargill. | "Are, we correct in understanding your telegram to mean that you refuse to pledge the Government not to alter the country quota during the term of next Parliament if your party is returned to power?—N.Z. Farmers" Union." Secretary, New Zealand Farmers'! Union, Wellington. "Replying your telegram, t have nothing further to add to my pre- ( vious telegram, which is perfectly clear.—M. J. Savage."