The Hokitika Guardian FRIDAY, JUNE 30th, 1922. PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 June 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian FRIDAY, JUNE 30th, 1922. PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION.

One of the subjects likely to be ardently discussed at this stage—in view ot the coming general election—is that of proportional representation. In order to secure a fairer test of public opinion at the polls, Sir Joseph Ward introduced the Second Ballot Act. That worked with more or less success till Reform eanie into power, when the Act wa s repealed very promptly, and there was the promise by Mr Massey to put something in its place. Mr Massey lias not kept liis promise. Tie showed some predeliction at one time to proportional representation, when he set about the reform of the Upper House—which action he also suspended without fulfilling Iris pledgees—proportidnal representation being provided for in the election of Legislative Councillors for grouped areas. The discussion which arose mainly within his own party, influenced Mr Massey in rather dropping the advanced electoral idea, and now that politics In the Dominion have divided into the three or four party system, with the divisions of the opposition massed geno-

rally against the Government, The Trime Minister feels, no doubt that J studying the principle of safety first ,

lie would lie well advised to leave things a s they are, relying on the first past the post result, as the safest mode of election for his party followers under all the circumstances. At the last election and at different hy-clections since tnerc were many results which permitted minorities to rule. The Dunedin polling the other clay was the latest example of the, unsatisfactory form of voting where there are more than two parties engaged in a contest, and ’1 is not surprising that, the event is giving point now to the request for the establishment by law of proportional iepresentation. It has been laid down that proportional representation is a means to establish electoral justice. Tt affords the means to the electors to make nil • elective bodies a correct reflection of the opinions of the electors. It is a notorious fact that the present Parliament is not a true reflection of the political leanings of the people. Tn small electorates, the chosen member represents a minority of the votes. Proportional representation would cure that defect, and the voice of the people, nr, the first principles of the democratic vote is intended to do, would lie heard. There arc. of course, several countries where the system is in vogue, and n New Zealand, the City Council f Christchurch is elected on the principle of preferential voting. Tt has been well said that proportional representation 'x a mathematical system for correctly registering public opinion. Tt is as certain arid as impartial as the multiplication thble. It takes no account of parties or persons. The people express their opinions about the various candidates. The count then gives the results and the people have what they have voted for in every area. Above all things, proportional representation means the ultimate restoration of a dolilicrate Assembly constituted by the vote of the people and answerable only to the electors. How long New Zealand will have to wait for this important electoral reform remains to ho seen; The next polling will have some effect On the position. It is not likely to be introduced for the next poll, but the interest aroused at th© coming elections will assist to turn public attention to the subject, and the ultimate demand for the introduction of I referential voting will bo insistent. It will materially affect the personnel of ]’a li.imcnt when it is brought to pass, but iii the change all shades of political opinion will lie more fairly represented and in that way democracy will lie more firmly established in relation to the government of the country.