THE NEW ELECTORAL DISTRICTS

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue 91, 15 July 1881, Page 2

THE NEW ELECTORAL DISTRICTS

The information published in our issue on Tuesday, that the Govern" incut contemplated tacking the couiv try np to the South bank of the Rangitikei river on to the Wellington Country District has provoked hostile comment in every part of the county. Our information was received from a prominent member of the House of Representatives, and certainly if the Government contemplated playing ducks and drakes with the Manawatu electorate in the manner indicated, the indignant protest evoked by the proposal in all parts of the county was sufficient to make them pause. At any rate, telegrams have been received in Foxton during the last few days from the Hon. Walter Johnston, inviting opinions as to the most suitable division of the electoral districts, so as to include Eangitikei, Wellington Country, and Manawatu. The population of Eangitikei is 3996, or about 1000 under the number the Government have determined as the standard for a country electorate ; Manawatu has a population of 8,802. or about 1200 short of the number entitling it to two members ; while Wellington Country has a population of 4426, or only 574 short of . the standard number. Hutt, on the other hand, has only 3633, or nearly 1400 short of the standard. What, we presume, according to our recent telegram, the Government intended to do was, add a portion of Wellington Country on to the Hutt to bring that constituency up to the mark, and rob Manawatu at each end to assist both Eangitikei and Wellington Country. If tin intention of adhering to single elec. torates is adhered to, we fear Manawatu will not get a second member ; if, on the other hand, the electorate is divided into two portions, we know of no division which will be likely to give general satisfaction. If we show a firm front, we may as one united electoral district get two mem bers, but division will mean disap poiutmenr,.