A HARMLESS PROPOSAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5464, 1 October 1878, Page 2

A HARMLESS PROPOSAL.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir,—Thinking men, both inside and outside of the House of Representatives, are beginning to fear that the dual vote given to the Maoris may work very unjustly if a general election takes place. Why should hot the House take up Mr. Taiaroa’s Bill now instead of waiting until next year for Mr. Sheehan’s ? Give the Maoris their full share of Maori representation under the special franchise, and as a further concession add to it a vote in the election of a European member for any Maori who holds land subject to European responsibilities, with a clear individual title, and liable to rates and taxes. A short Bill with two clauses to this effect would remove the present injustice, and would tend to restore the confidence of the country in the Ministry, so much shaken by the course they have taken in this matter. The confession of Mr. Sheehan, that he could not defend the proposal upon any olher ground except that of expediency, would tend to prevent any sense of humiliation being felt in accepting this proposal. -As Captain Moms justly said, the proposed franchise as carried was strongly opposed by all those members who had a number of Maori constituents, not because they were afraid to meet their constituency under the new franchise, but because they knew what they were talking about, and were bound to protest against the evils the innovation would be sure to occasion.—l am, &.C.,