LOST SEATS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 9 August 1926, Page 7

LOST SEATS.

SOUTH ISLAND’S HANDICAP

MEMBERS SUGGEST A SOLUTION

PROM OUR PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER. WELLINGTON, Aug. 7. The threatened loss of two seats by the South Island as a consequence of a redistribution following the population results of last census, has been considered by a committee of South Island members, and its recommendations, which have been agreed to by the South Island members as a whole, are to be placed before the Prime Minister next Friday. It is understood, that the deputation will suggest that the Government introduce legislation during the present Parliament by which the existing number of South Island 3eats (30 j will be retained and that electoral justice be done to the North Island by taking the southern population as the basis for the quota, which would be ascertained by dividing the South Island’s total population by thirty. This result is to be applied to the larger total for the North Island, thus giving the latter an increased number of constituencies.

It is doubtful if this proposal will meet yvith acceptance in official circles, as the view, which it is understod is held in that quarter, is that the best compromise, if there is an inclination to meet the situation, would be to give greater stability to the electoral position by making the re-distribution every ten years instead of every, live years. The deputation will also raise the question of the completion of the South Island main trunk railway and the Buller railway.