PARLIAMENT AND PEOPLE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1642, 25 November 1916, Page 4

PARLIAMENT AND PEOPLE.

PROPOSED NEW SYSTEM TO REPLACE PARTY GOVERNMENT. ; EVERY ELECTOR IN THE HOUSE. (By Thos. R. Roydhuitse). (Concluded from Thursday’s issue.) • POINTS TO REMEMBER. The new system proposed is the only truly Democratic one. There are other Parliamentary Reform systems put forward that are self-eoudemned on their intricate and circumlocutory characteristics. Electors require the simplest and cost direct method. They have it here. One adult one vote does not meet all requirements of equality. One Vote One Value is the thing to strive for. There is no use in scutching the Parly serpent; it must lie killed outright. Just as a premature peace would not he a blessing in respect of the Greal War now progressing, hut the reverse, because the trouble would have to bo met later, so arc coalitions not lo he unduly appraised .

During a coalition is the time to get the House to pass legislation abolishing parties. It is mure likely to he done then than when parties are in full blast of hitter conflict.

The ven' fact that there are coalition Governments in three countries in this time of stress —because of the stress; because it isn’t a time for political fooling —-is a primary argument in favour of permanent

non-parly government. Parlies must he asked to refrain from further putting their interests before the people’s.

The people must voice their demand in such a wa.y that it cannot he ignored. There must he mammoth petitions and many deputations. Every member of Parliament must be asked whether he places the people or Party first.

If lie answers that he places the, people first he cannot oppose the abolition of parties.

The people must prevail in their parliament, otherwise the proceedings therein are really ultra vires of the Constitution. At present a Party machine prevails. Those who support the continued existence of the machine as against the true parliamentary rule of the people are neeessarily against the people.

They are for selfish interests. They are tor the Party. They are for themselves. For the country there is no one in parliament. For the people there is no one. Is not an alteration called for? If you hear a man excuse the Party Machine you may he sure ho gains something by it, or has hopes of doing so.

Tills is no reflection upon politicians. They play the game in accordance with the rules as they found them. The rules require altering. This is what is herein pro-

posed. Could there he any more equitable political method than electing the government and allowing all electors to vote on every division.’ The first has been proposed often; the second never previously. Under the proposed system the elector is in evidence every time the division he.il rings. He is a live elector, alive all the time. The breath of life can be breathed into him by parliamentary enactment. It is for every elector to see about it. Nothing will be done without extreme pressure from those who wield the weapon of the ballot.

Exert that pressure now, and set the world an example.