Electoral Bill.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 6825, 2 August 1893, Page 2

Electoral Bill.

Special Maori Representation Retained. [FROM OTJE SPHCIAX COEEESPONDENT,] [BY TELKGBAPH.I Wkllington, Last night. <t. The Electoral Bill was again under con- -~ bideration of the House in Committee for a couple of hours to-night. Attention was, however, solely directed to the question of whether the existing special representation to the Maoris should be abolished, and the natives be admitted to the full franchise. Mr Shera moved in this direction. The Premier said he could not at the present time support the proposal, which should come by way of a special measure, and not be sprung on the natives by surprise. Captain Euseell, on the other hand, thought the time most opportune for the peopoeed change. The special repreeffleia-—— tion of the Maori people was created ijfty years ago, when the ordinary franchise was a property qualification, and it was confiiijered impossible to decide the Maori property interests. The Maoris were in favor of their being placed on the same basis as Europeans. Sir Robert Stout and Mr Kolleaton strongly opposed the proposal, the latter characterising the whole native legislation of the present Parliament at almost beneath contempt. The Hon. Mr Carroll eaid that he had for a long time advocated the putting of both races on the same footibg as regards olootoral privileges. If special representation was to bo continued, then inoroased representation must be given to the Maoris. After the matter had been discussed at length, Mr Marsden Thompson appealed to Mr Bhera to withdraw the amendment, but the senior member for Auckland declined, on the ground that he had been guided by principle in moving it, and the division was fciken at half-past twelve, the proposal to wipe out special Maori representation being lost by 35 to 11. After the next two. clauses had beoa passed, progress waa reported. ! Sir Eobert Stout and Mr Bolleston urgod that if it was the honest intention to push the Bill through, it should be kept at the head of the Order-Papeir.