THE REPRESENTATION BILL.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7357, 9 July 1889, Page 5

THE REPRESENTATION BILL.

- [Br Txi.iasiJPS.l [TOOK OUR SPECIAL CORRKSPONDHNT J WELLINGTON, July 8. It tarns out that a good many members are anxious to air their eloquence on the Bepresentation Bill and the Hare system. Not only will Sir Harry Atkinson, Sir John Hall, and Mr Saundera epeak on behalf of the much misunderstood Hare, but also Mr Scobie Mackenzie, Mr Allen, and several others. It is regarded as certain that the debate on the second reading of the Bill will not conclude to-morrow night, but will last at least another day. The number of votes relied upon in favor of the Bill increases slowly but steadily, the total is put afe thirty-two to-day, as against tfcirty on Saturday. There seems a growing wish that more time should be allowed the House for consideration before the BUI is finally dropped, and" some think that the circulation of Mr Frankland's paper on the system would make several converts. The Government however are quite hopeless, and always have been, of carrying the proposal this session, but they believe much good will result from the thorough discussion and ventilation of the plan, so that possibly next year it may stand a better chance of acceptance, and still be ready for next general election. The fact that it would completely settle the difficulty about plural voting is looked on as a strong point in its favor, if only the initial prejudice against so sweeping an innovation could be overcome. Feeling still runs high on the quota question. The country members proclaim with unabated determination their policy of "no surrender," and declare that nothing on earth shall induce them to abate one jot of the terms they have resolved to insist on, viz., an allowance of 33& per cent, over the towns, but the Government are said to entertain hopes of being able to persuade the rural party to be content with 25 per cent. There is some idea of bringing on the quota debate to-morrow afternoon, before settling the Hare question. The Cabinet will decide tomorrow morning whether or not this course shall be adopted.