THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1907. THE CENSUS QUESTION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 61, 20 December 1907, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1907. THE CENSUS QUESTION.

THE recent statement by the Premier to the effect that he was in favour of the census of the Dominion being taken every ten years instead of every five, as at present, is a fur-

ther indication that the Southerners will make every effort to retain the parliamentary power which has so long been theirs. Every year sees population drifting northwards, and each succeeding census means a redistribution of seats, with l an increase for the North and a decrease for the South. This rapid change can only mean that, with anything like unanimity among the Northerners, they gaf} outvote the South at any time, and secuie aijd }]old the reins of government. The recent agitation oj} the part of the Southerners for alteration of the method of distribur ting the electorates, and the claim

that whatever the North got by way of increase the South should retain its present number, was a clear indica-

tion that the loss of seats would not continue without a struggle to retain them. The Southerners have so long £ontended that there was no feeling

of rivalry on their part towards the North ; that it was ridiculous to think of the Dominion other than as one concrete state; and that a Southern Ministry, led by a Southern Premier, was just as likely to act for the good of the whole state, as a Northern administration, that the Qjutcry over the loss of power is undefensible. In the same connection the Premier's treatment of the question is more subtle and insidious. He recognises the need for action to preserve Southern supremacy, and cannot but acknowledge that the rapid increase in Northern population must continue. A straightout North versus South issue is a thing to be avoided at all costs, and the inspiration of doubling the years between the census is the result. The Premier has given his fellow-islanders a direct lead, and we may confidently look forward to the census question being strongly advocated henceforth. It is to be hoped the North Island members will adopt the common sense course of keeping together on the question. For years the South has flouted any idea of feeling, and reproached the North with fostering the parochial spirit. This was in the day of her supremacy. Now that the tables are being turned, it ibehoves the stronger numerical party to unite on the issue, as the Southerners are doing, and stand firmly for the rights of the North. The five-yearly census was a good enough basis for Parliamentary representation as long as the South held the pride of position. Directly the surplus population moves northwards the liberal-minded ones, who preached the doctrine of unity in the colony on established grounds, wish to recant and establish fundamental principles more favourable to their own case, but infinitely less so to the North, which has had to wait patiently, under the old conditions, for the opportunity which has at last arrived. It is crediting the North with extreme ingenousness to expect that it will accept the new Southern doctrine with equanimity. • This is the day of the opportunist in politics, and to the Northerner, who seizes the opportunity to organise a straightout crusade and rid his Island of Southern dominance in politics, much is possible. Our country is only beginning be settled, and progress has been retarded in all directions because of the ignorance of a Southern administration, of our real needs. The members of our ministry are as dependent upon votes for their election as private members, and, in order to keep their seats, require to attend to the needs of their electorates. Unfortunately for the North the Ministry has for years been chiefly Southern, and the " lion's " share of political favour has naturally been diverted southwards. The Northern opportunity is at hand, and if it is not taken we deserve to be governed by the South as long as the Dominion continues.