PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2289, 3 August 1881, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

’ (By Teleoraph.J 1 [fbom the own ooebespondent OP THE “ PBESB.”] ' WELLINGTON, August 2. According to the arrangement entered into at a meeting of the Otago and Southland members held yesterday, the deputation of ' Otago and Southland members waited on the 1 Premier to-day with regard to the Representation Bill. Mr Macaudrow was the principal spokesman, and laid before the Premier the resolutions which had been passed by the meeting the nrovious day. The-Premier said in reply that the Government could not entertain any proposal against increasing the number of members. It had been carefully considered by them, and they had finally decided on that question. He said that the total number of European members for the colony would be 91 or 95, including Natives, of which 24 would be allocated to Otago, which would thus have an increase of three members. Canterbury would have 21 members, or an increase of seven members. Marlborough would remain as at present ; Nelson would lose three members, and Westland would lose one. The allocution to the North Island was not referred to. With regard to the proposal of the deputation that they should allot their own boundaries within their provincial districts, the Premier said that members could scarcely expect the Government to allow them to propose the measure they were going to bring down. If, however, they desired to make suggestions as to boundaries ho would put at the disposal of the deputation the Registrar. General’s offices and the survey office, where all information could be obtained, and if necessary an officer would be told off to help them in their work. The meeting was of a private character, and the above information was gleaned from members who were present. Mr Dick attended as a member of the deputation.