RE-DISTRIBUTION OF SEATS.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 158, 26 June 1886, Page 4

RE -DISTRIBUTION OF SEATS.

Wellington, June 22, JvbX a week ago I informed you that th© Government were considering the adviastcbility of appointing a board who would havfc the power of re-adjusting the representatioa on a population basis after the completion of every quinquennial census. The matter has since been discussed in Cabinet, and that a determination has been come to on the question may be gathered from the following extract from the leading article in the Ministerial organ of Saturday night :— " If the House; is in earnest in its determination to adhere to the principle of a population basis, and to (within certain defined limits) accept population as the basis of representation, dividing the population of the colony by the number of seats, and giving to each quota of population, as nearly as may be, s* representative, then the very best possibly way of carrying the principle into effect will be to remove the details of re-distribu-tion from the political arena altogether, leaving them to be settled by a permanent! non political board. The bill constituting such a boa» d could define the limits of var£ anon, which should be permitted on account of topographical or other considerations, other than actual quota of population. Ifc is not likely that such a board would ba able to produce an absolutely perfect scheme of re adjustment, or onewhich would: sati-fy everybody, but we believe that a b ird might be constituted which would be; able to re-adjust the representation of the colony in a much fairer and more satistactory manner, according to the principle supposed to ,-vide such re-adjustment, than Parliament could possibly perform the tick. li?h and extremely thankless task. Whether Parliament will ever be willing to surrender or delegate its power in this matter is another question. A re distiibution fight affords splendid opportunities for log-rolling-and arrangements to render eaferthe seats of sitting members. A little alteration of boundaries is sometimes worth a good deal to the_ member in position. We have not the slightest idea what the Government will pioposo on the subject, but we shall not bo surprised to hear of a scheme for the, non political re-ad juptment of representation after every quinquennial census As to the amalgamation ot city electorates, we are. pretty certain that any scheme which the Government may bring down will provide for this much needed *-eform, in so far afc least as regards those cities which desire ta be re united.—" Star"' Special Reporter.