THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 753, 4 August 1922, Page 2

THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM.

PROSPECT OF CHANGE. There is little prospect of change in the electoral system taking place during the life of the present Parliament. Even if the various elements of the Opposition got together for the purpose of effecting reform in this respect, they would not be strong enough to make any impression upon Mr .Massey’s solid. majority, which, perhaps, is the best disciplined support that has sat behind any leader since constitutional government was conceded to this country. But the solid opposition to electoral 'reform on one side of the House can be scarcely more discouraging to the ardent supporters of proportional representation. like the Hon. Geo. Fowhls and Mr P. J. O’Regan, than is the half-hearted and uninspired support, given to the proposal on the other side. Proportional representation for the House of Representatives is as much an election cry with the Liberal and Labour parties to-day as proportional representation for tlie Legislative Council was with the Reformers in 1911. No doubt a number of the Opposition are perfectly sificere In their advocacy of reform, even enthusiastic, but the majority of them are only half-hearted, and entirely lacking in the faith that moves mountains.