THE SIZE OF PARLIAMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 45, 21 August 1931, Page 9

THE SIZE OF PARLIAMENT

(By Telegraph.')

(Special to "The Evening Post.'.')

PALMERSTON N., This Day.

A reduction in the number of members of Parliament by 25 .per cent, was a suggestion which prqyoked discussion at yesterday's meeting of the Dairy Farmers' Union.

Mr. N. Morcoin said it was considered that the Dominion; \ was ovcrrepresentod in Parliament, but the reduetiou should not come from the country, but rather from the ■"■ cities. Personally he did not agree with a salary reduction, because fewer members would mean more work for them to do. • ■...'■

Mr. J. Boyce advocated' a reduction of members on an area basis rather than'a population basis. It was absurd to have five or "six incn representing the city of. ■Wellington and its suburbs.

The Kopane branch advocated getting a definite' answer from all candidates at the coming election.

Mr. P.l* J. Small contended that Mr. Boyee's proposal would soon resolve itself into class legislation. If the areas were extended it would take a millionaire to stand for a country electorate, and in time Parliament would only be a House of financial interests.

A member facetiously suggested the imposition of a. penalty in the shape of' salary reductions for every day the House sat over a reasonable time.limit.

It was decided to hold over further discussion until tho next meeting in order.to ' allow moiribers h> give^'ilm matter thought. " ■