NORTH VERSES SOUTH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8556, 15 October 1907, Page 6

NORTH VERSES SOUTH.

EXTINCTION OF SOUTHERN ELECTORATES. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, October 14. A deputation of Southern members waited upon the Premier today for the purpose of urging that the South Island should not be deprived of three members in favour of the North Island, as recommended by the Representation Commissioners. Several of the members present offered the opinion that an injustice was being done 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 than it was at the present time, the number of members of tho House of Repre sentatives had been 95. A reduction had been made with a view to economy during the coiony's dark days, but the necessity for that reduction had passed. Thy deputation suggested' therefore that the South Island should be aUowed to keep its quota of members, and that three new constituencies should,be created in the North, making the total number of members of the House 83 instead of 80, as at the present time. Reference was made to the confusion and inconvenience caused by the constant changes in the electoral boundaries. The Premier prarrised to consider the representations that had been made to him, but lie 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 carried into effect.