The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “ The West Coast Times.” MONDAY, MAY 2nd, 1921. ELECTORAL REFORM.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 May 1921, Page 2

The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “ The West Coast Times.” MONDAY, MAY 2nd, 1921. ELECTORAL REFORM.

In the late municipal elections throughout the Dominion, the electoral methods adopted were those known as ‘‘find past the post.” The fisst nine in—won. In Christchurch however the proportional representation system of voting was adopted, and at the time of writing the result is not yet known. Proportional representation is a material advance in electoral reform, and it is a system which will eventually find its way into public favor. We are all radical enough nowadays to realise the shortcomings of the party system, which is more or less encouraged by the ‘‘first past the post” method of voting. There is therefore a desire more or loss expressed for a change. From .time to time there are outstanding instances of minority rule, and party rule under those circumstances demonstrates its marked unfairness all w>o often. We have this minority rule to-day in relation to our general politics. In other days. Reform was disposed to espouse the cause of electoral reform, and All- Massey was once bold enough to lay down a system of refoni for the election of the Upper House. But his courage then became exhausted, and he lias never applied the principle in practice. Since those days the circumstances have changed, and with a more defined three party system in New Zealand, Air Massey is content to take advantage of the triangular situation by pitting Reform against Liberals mid Labor. So long as the latter remain disunited Reform has the best- chance of remaining in the ascendency, and with the power to control the position, is not likely to suggest, electoral reform. A fourth party is now in embryo, and this, failing possible fusion, will he all to the advantage of the Reform party, leaving the members more and more secure in the seats under the present electoral system. The last general election and the late by-elections have all shown how safe Reform is under the three party system. It will he so much better off still under the four party system, for the fourth party will draw its main strength from Liberals and Labor. However, to return to the proportional system as applied to the City Council elections in Christchurch, the method is to secure representation which shall be proportional to the ex--pressed wishes of the voters in the order of their preference. Tn voting the electors- are to indicate the names of not less than three for whom they wish to vote in the order of preference over nil the names, hut at least three must he preferred. This system has an effect which will help to kill factions, and induces the independent to come forward. It takes longer to ascertain the result, and so avoids the outburst of enthusiasm which is aroused in the brief tension necessary to decide fb e voting on the “first past the post,” There is often unique sxHtrtpent created

and it will be something to allay that untoward feature. But proportional representation will guarantee full representation according to classes, if the people go to the poll and express their preference fairly. It is a good system hut is a radical reform on which public opinon requires educating. It would be of interest if the Chamber of Commerce or Progress League took up the matter and had the system expounded and explained and even applied to a local contest to demonstrate the method as well as the fairness and value of thsystem.

Thk restrictive policy of the Public Works Department in regard to road and bridge works is very genetal throughout the Dominion. Mr Coates the Minister in charge, has laid down a definite policy which is being applied everywhere. The restriction even goes so far as to affect works in regard to which local bodies had been asked to undertake expenditure, and for which they had gone to the expense of preparing plans (Slid specifications. Even when these have been submitted for npproval, and however urgent the works may be, if the actual authority to expend the vote has not been issued, the local body may not proceed with the expenditure. This means that a very large number of works will he held up indefinitely. It is evident that in taking this drastic course, asking the local bodies to do a certain thing, and then at the eleventh hour withdrawing from the compact, the Government indicates a marked shortage of money. Indeed the public Works Department is going further. Where local bodies for the want of labor material or other cause, are not able at once to go on with public works expenditure in the ease where authorities have been issued, the unredeemed authorities are likely to be cancelled. The local bodies will-require to show actual commitments by contracts or otherwise, to save the votes from cancellation. This wholesale treatment of the position will cause considerable loss and dissatisfaction in most, districts, and the Government will he blamed for not anticipating the difficulties earlier, ajid taking a line of policy which would ’lot have misled the local bodies and the public at large for the matter of that. The position will reflect itself also in the matter of unemployment, which will glow more and more aeiite ns present -'nthunties in hand run out.

Thk Beautifying Soci 'ty is setting about its work with some show of earnestness. There is the expressed desire jo do something and d* it quickly. Ii remains for the Society to secure Hie confidence of the Borough Council and all should be well. In this connection the rather practical suggestion has bee i put forward that in terms of the provisons of the Municipal Corporations Act. the Reserves Committee of Hie Borough Council should include some members of the Beautifying Society. This fusion would be a happy idea as a means to promote greater celerity in carrying out contemplated work. Tn addition to offering useful advice as to works necessary, the Beautifying Society will lie in the way also of providing funds to help carry 'ut some of the works. This practical assistant" should appeal to the Council, for it establishes the bona fides of the Society. There is a very general opinion that Cass Square should be taken in hand, and maintained as ‘‘the tlung of beauty” it should be. Hon. Afiotiel at the late meeting of the Society voiced the popular feelings about the central park and playing field when he referred to H e intrinsic value of the grounds to ike town. Now that the playing field has been made so notably popular with 4 lie young folk (thanks to the generous action of Mr Butler) and it can be seen how attentions of this character are appreciated the authorities should go as far as they can in the popularising of Cass Square. It is in urgent need of a general cleaning up, ;nd should lie kept in a neat and trim condition. The pleasing result achieved at Macandrow Square might well bo repeated at Cass Square, and if the Beautifying Society ean shape public action in that .direction it will achieve excellent work for tlio benefit of the town.