PROPORTIONAL VOTING

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2425, 6 May 1922, Page 2

PROPORTIONAL VOTING

EFFECT IN AUSTRALIA

“POLITICAL CANNIBALISM.”

The effect of the proportional representation system in elections was referred to yesterday by the Minister for Customs, the Hon. W, D: Stewart. He said that whatever 1 lie. abstract merits of proportional representation might be as a means to securing a true reflex of opinion, in point of actual practice, its the system operated in New South Wales it was difficult to find supporters of it. There were, of course, many forms of proportional representation, but the chief objection taken to the form adopted in New South Wales was that it magnified the importance of the machine, and. practically cut out the independent candidates, because the electorates were so large that the expenses of a campaign were too great for the individual. Even under the party system the expenses of the Government candidates were heavy,-while* the cost of recounts , was very great. “Theoretically the candidates on one ticket are supposed to assist each other and to work as a team,” said Mr Stewart, “hut, in many eases, what is described as a form of •political cannibalism’ sets in, and. each candidate urges the electors to give him their first preference vote, so as to improve his own chances and lessing the chances of his col- ' leagues. The consequence is that too many wCak men are brought up near tlie top. “Then, again, under this system of* large electorates, there is an enormous multiplication of correspondence, due to the fact that all the members concerned eaeli write , lo a Minister about the same and he, of course, has to forward replies to eaeh. It is possible for. favouritism to be shown to a certain member by notifying him earlier than the other’s of the decision reached respecting the request.* This may appear a minor objection, and it may be possible to improve on the \ system to avoid these defects and provide a more satisfactory system than obtains in New South Wales, but tire general impression'l gained was that the system, as it operates there, is not giving satisfaction.” The first-past-the-post system and also the second ballot had ser- ■' ions objections, said the Minister, hut. in view of the experience in Australia, he thought the question of the substitution of proportional representation requires very care fill consideration 'before being adopted.