SOUTH V. NORTH ISLAND.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXII, Issue 8949, 15 October 1907, Page 2

SOUTH V. NORTH ISLAND.

Tress Association. Wellington, October Ik A" deputation of southern members waited upon the Premier to-day for the pin-pose of urging tliat the South Island should not be deprived of three members in favour of the North Island as recommended by the Representation C o m missioncrs. Several of the members present olt'ercd the opinion that an injustice was being dono to the South Island by the extinction of the Waikouaiti, Courtenay, and Mount Ida electorates. They stated that at a time when the "population of New Zealand had been very much smaller tlian it was at present the number of members of the House of Representatives had been 9"). A reduction had been made with a view to economy during the colony's dark clays but the necessity for that reduction having passed, the deputation suggested that the South Island should be allowed to keep its present quota, and three new constituencies should be created in the North, making the total number of members of the House 83 instead of SO. As at present reference was made to the confusion and inconvenience caused by the constant changes in the electoral boundaries. The Premier promised to consider the representations made, but indicated that the Government did not feel inclined to interfere with the work of the Representation Commissioners. The tone of his reply did not encourage the deputation to hope that its proposal would be earl' rieel into efl'eot,