APPROPRIATION BILL
LABOR AMENDMENT. POPORTIDMA L REPRESEXTATION. PROPOSAL REJECTED. WELLINGTON. Nor. o. The Appropriation Bill was introduced bv Governor-General's message. On the motion to go into Committee of Supply, Mr. McCombs said that as the Bill would affect the Legislative Dc-pr.rtmcnt he wished to move an- amendment ‘‘That in order to make the representative Chamber of Parliament more representative of the people, this House is of the opinion the Government should prepare a Bill for introduction next sessionl providing for proportion's! representation.’ ’
Mr. Milford said lie must vote for the principle of proportional representation, but the country quota must be maintained.
Mr. Armstrong said they could have only one iorni of proportional representation. The country could not have special treatment under this system.
Mr. Massey pointed out that the proposal would make the country electorates unworkable. The country quota must be maintained, otherwise the people of the country would be placed at the mercy of those in the towns. The introduction of proportional representation was one of the worst things that could happen to New Zealand. He recalled that Mr. MacDonald, Prime Minister of Britain, opposed proportional representation. Mr .Ballance, Mr. Seddon and Sir Joseph "Ward in New Zealand had not favored it.
Mr.. Sullivan said he would accept the provision to meet, the position of the country people if by doing so the system could be introduced in the Deminion, although it could hardly be termted true proportional representation.
The Hon. G, J. Anderson* said long study of proportional representation had convinced him that the. system was not- conducive to the best government.
Mr. Masters said the country quota was not maintained to-day except in twelve electorates. He would vet? for the resolution.
On a division' Mr. McCombs’ amendment was negatived by 35 votes to 26. At 7.4-5 1 the debate was concluded. —Press Assn.
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Bibliographic details
Gisborne Times, Volume LXI, Issue 9854, 6 November 1924, Page 4
Word Count
306APPROPRIATION BILL Gisborne Times, Volume LXI, Issue 9854, 6 November 1924, Page 4
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