The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1881.

Kumara Times, Issue 1548, 13 September 1881, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1881.

It may now be taken for granted that the unjust measure of the Government for the redistribution of seats in the House of Representatives will become law. The bill is in every respect a most detestable one, but it has been agreed to by an overwhelming majority. Under such circumstances, every elector should consider the position in which he is placed and take the necessary steps to prevent his disfranchisement. Under the Representation Bill we are no longer conniected with Hokitika, but form a distinct and separate district. There are many persons whose names appear on the electoral roll, who were registered for some qualification in Hokitika or its immediate vicinity, but who now reside within the limits of what is for the future to be known as “ The Electoral District of Kumara.” Each and all of these who do not at once make new applications for registration, will find themselves without a vote so far as this district is concerned. For the future Kumara will return one member. The boundaries of this new district, as well as the adjoining ones of Hokitika and Greymonth were described in this journal on the 26th of last month. On what principle the Government acted when creating the Kumara District, it is impossible to imagine. They state that they go upon the basis of population alone, and every argument that they have adduced in support of their action in that respect has been proved to be absurd and fallacious. They have carried their bill though by mere brute force, getting support from friends and foes alike, the Otago and Canterbury section of the House being (with few

exceptions) bound to agree to any proposal which", guarantees to the two favored provincial districts the preponderance of power in the General Assembly, and in all matters which relate to the government of New Zealand. Many of those who voted throughout with the Government on the Representation Bill must-have felt the blush of shame rise to their cheeks as they walked into the lobby, and out of it; but they had been placed in the position of supporting a Government they detested, or of standing no chance of re-election—when they faced their constituents. The case of the colony as opposed to Otago and Canterbury may appear to be a hopeless one, but it is not entirely so. Under the existing law it is very easy for a man to get a vote. All that he has to do is to apply for a registration form, and get it filled up and witnessed. The conditions are simple, and easily complied with. No one should be without a vote under •such circumstances. Failiament will shortly expire by effluxion of time, but it remains with the Government to fix (within certain limits) the date of the impending general election. It may take place within a few weeks of the present time, or the day may be put off for several months, but the event must happen at no distant date. Every person possessing a residential qualification, therefore, should at once place their names on the electoral roll.