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Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1923, Page 2

Tin-; question of a children's park was mentioned at the meeting of the Beautifying Society this week. Nov, that the iiithcito unused poitiou of Brittan Street is to be turned to its legitimate purpose, if something is to be done for the children, and particularly the very young child, attention will l>e required to he turned to some other site. There is a risk and danger for young children with the cycling on Cass Squaie and perhaps a Borough reserve somewhere adjacent might 1.0 obtainable where a. proper playground tor the young ami particularly the very young, might lie laid out. At the meeting this week tho matter of utilsiig portion of the ocean beach was suggested. It is desirable, certainly, that the ;ea beach should be put in seemly order. Those who planted the marmm grass are being well rewarded for their work, and the excellent results in the luxuriant growth, .should encourage more extensive planting still. A portion of tho bench might well be set apart as a playground for the young and a number of seaside appliances could he erected for the entertainment of tho juveniles. 'Pile matter requires doing in any ease to keep pace with the growth of tho town, and its increasing popularity as a seaside resort for holiday makers.

Tine latest news from AA’ellingbui is to the effect that the Government measure hearing <m the question of electoral reform will bo of a hybrid character. applying proportional representation to cities (whore there are to he groups of representatives), and preferential voting to the country districts (where single representation is to he retained). Many are speculating already as to the probable result of the change, evidently being more concerned with tho actual outcome, than with the main principle involved. The demand for tile change is been use with more than a two-party political system, the ‘‘first past- the post” election is not equitable in its general effect. When the change does come about, and if on the lines proposed, will it be equitable in it-, result? Tho dual systems suggested, to our view, might produce results of a negativing character. For instance, the equity of the results following proportional representation in the cities, might he discounted by the results in the country, anil although an expensive change may bo entorid upon, tho result would not justiiy th:> great outlay, tier he more satisfactory m the end than the present.

Ai.TitowiH electoral reform lies been long promised tho measure now forecasted will lx* but a feeler. Mr Massey will be leaving New Zealand in less than five weeks for London, and the serious business of the House must be through by then. The Bill to l>o brought down will lie quite a tentative one. and merely to fulfil a. promise to produce legislation on the subject. The real Bill may not appear till neat session--if then. Tito present, measure will lie submitted really for debating purposes, and it the House takes the subject at all seriously a deltate of two weeks might easily result. Air Massey has been very tactful in keeping the debates going so far, so a further outflow of oratory will assist to tide over the period of the session, which will be something to be thankful for with the precarious majority the Government has. Rather would it appear that the Bill lno; o-ed is a further development in tactics to keep the loquacious members of the House talking. It is a neat way of getting through a difficult period, and Mr Massey has hit evidently on a very ready and simple means to attain the end he has in view.