THE REPRESENTATION QUESTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2211, 15 October 1907, Page 3

THE REPRESENTATION QUESTION.

SOUTHERN MEMBERS WAIT ON THE PREMIER.

A NON-COMMITTAL REPLY

(Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 14

This morning tho Premier was interviewed by a large number of members of tho House of Representatives on the representation question. The deputation was a private one, and not open to the press. It was pointed out to the Premier that the recent re-distribution of seats gave tho North Island 41 members and tho South Island 35 members. The nominal population of the colony in 1906 was stated at 1,015,351, tho population of the North Island (with provision for 41 European members) being 544,019, and of the South Island (with provision for 35 European members) 474,362. It. was asked that tho population of the South Island bo taken as the basis for the quota, and that the North Island receive representation on that basis, which would give the South Island 33 members and the North Island 44 members, equal to a total European representation (in round numbers) of 82, with a ponulation of 12,500 each. The unworkable nature of some constituencies owing to their size was referred to, and also tho fact that there would be further changes of boundaries in 1908 and 1910, destroying in some instances community of interest. It was stated that under the new boundaries some candidates would have to Address over 100 meetings. The physical strain and financial obligations involved would be, it was urged, unduly great. The deputation endeavored to make it clear to the Premier that there would be no attempt to do injustice to the North Island. It was contended also that during tho past fifteen years the work of members had increased quite fivefold. Tlio proposal made by the deputation was that legislation should be introduced to fix up the number ol members to be elected for the South Island next year at 38 European members, with" proportional representation to the North Island, which would bring its representation up to 44; also to providethat the representation of the South Island should in future be not less than 38 members, with proportionate representation for the North Island until the total representation for the Dominion reaches 95, and that when this point is reached the whole question of representation shall be reviewed by Parliament. Sir Joseph Ward said that the problem of representation was a difficult one, and the proposals of the deputation would require careful consideration. One important detail would be the readjustment of boundaries in both Islands. He recognised that those who had referred to the obliteration of certain electorates had presented their case in such a way as to call for consideration if that were possible. He did not like to think that members should be thrust out of political life in a haphazard way. It would be for the Government to see if anything could be done to meet the wishes of members and of their constituents, hut' only if an equitable basis could be determined. He could not, of course, make any promise, but he assured the deputation of his desire to approach this matter of representation in a manner that would be fair and just to the community, as a whole. Tho Government, he added, would have to use the utmost caution in coming to a decision, but the matter would be placed before Cabinet, with a view to its careful consideration.