THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1879.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3356, 24 September 1879, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1879.

Electobal Beform, especially in the direction of representation of the people on the population basis, will be one of the issues to be decided by the Parliament in the session opened to-day. Previous legislators in the matter of the distribution of representation, in performing their functions, seem to hare been guided by no fixed plan, but appear to hare increased or reduced the number of representatives for the different constituencies as they considered the exigencies of the case required. Party considerations doubtless also weighed with those in power when dealing with this all important matter, so that it is not to be wondered at that when the question is gone into carefully many strange incongruities are apparent. The table below gives the actual representation of the European population of the colony," and what it would be if a re-distribution of seats on ' the basis of population took place :—

This table shows that our own protincial district as a whole would not be much affected by a re-distribution, nor woulc? the provincial districts of Napier and Wellington, but the representation of the other districts is, to use a common expression, "at sixes and serens." Canter* br.ry and Otago are under represented by about 5 members, while the unassuming little province of Kelson has nearly double iU fair share of representatives. Taranaki and Maryborough are also liberally treated, while a gross injustice is inflicted on Westland. We are sure our readers will agree with us in believing that the whole representation of the colony requires readjustment on some settled plan—that of the population basis being to °our minds the most feasible.

Two presentations were made yesterday evening at the Hall of the H.A.C.B. Society to our fellow-citizen, Mr Hugh Mcllhone, which shews the high esteem in winch he is held by the members of tue H.A.C.B. Society in particular, and the public in general. The first was the presentation of a P.P. collar, which was made in appropriate terms by the president, Mr Byrne, and the other a gold albert and locket, which was presented on behalf of the subscribers by Mr Landers. In making the presentation Mr Landers spoke in high terms of Mr Mcllhone, as likewise did Mr Aitken, Mr Duggan and other gentlemen. Mr Mcllhoue expressed his hearty thanks for their mauy ezpreesions of good will, and said that, wherever he might be, he should always have pleasurable recollections of the Thames and its warm-hearted people.

We would remind our readers of the waxwork exhibition, which opens at the Academy of Music tbii ereniug.

The EotoniahauH did not leave for Auckland today, it being discovered that some slight repairs were necessary. She leaves tomorrow at 1 o'clock.

A* the H.M, Court this morning before H. Kenrick, Esq., U.M., Edward Smith,. a Tairua publican, "was fined Ml aud costs for Sunday trading. In a notice of a concert lately given in the Lome street Hall the Auckland Star sayst —W"e should mention that Mrs Cottingham sang Grid's new song-—" My Own New Zealand Home "—with telling effect, and received an encore. Mb Gough, of Axißusta street, who for several years has turned his attention to the cultivation of the vine, and has the largest and best slocked vineyard in this neighborhood, sent last March to his brother in England a 30 gallon cask of wine of his own making. From a letter just received, Mr Gough hears that the wine reached England quite safely, and his" brother has had it tasted by two or three wine merchants, who have pronounced it a well-flavored, good, sound wive. . At the sale of Mr Kenaan's furniture to-day there was a good attendanco, and the bidding was spirited. A meeting of persons who have paid wharfage dues, etc., in respect of the Port of Thames will be held to morrow at noon at the Board offices for the purpose of electing one person to the office of member of the Board.

Provincial District. '• Number of Popula- Kepresentahition. tives to which entitled. Actual No. of Representatives at present. Auckland Taranaki Wellington ... Hawked Bay .. Morlborough .. Nelson .. Westland. Canterbury - .. Otag'o 82,601 0,463 51,008 15,015 7,557 25,128 16,932 81,022 114,409 17 ■■ ■ 2 10 3 f ■I 18 3 It . 2.V 0" 3 144 21 414,215 84 84