Hawke's Bay Herald. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 1879.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5329, 13 March 1879, Page 2

Hawke's Bay Herald. THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 1879.

As the re-distribution of representation will bo one of the prominent questions in the ensuing session, it would bo well, we think, if there could be something like agreement about the basis on which the re-distribution of seats shall be made. Some of those who have discussed the question are in favor of the electoral rolls forming the basis, while others insist that population shall determine the representation. Mr Montgomery, we notice, holds the latter view. In speaking on tho subject to bis constituents at Akaroa, he said: "I will point out to you that population is a truer basis for representation than is the number of electors. There is one electoral district which contains 24,000 inhabitants, men, Avoinon, and children, and another which contains only 12,000, and yet it is a positive fact that tho district containing 12,000 has more names on its electoral roll than has tho other, because it has more able-bodied men in it. Noav I mention this because I am in favor of representation according to }3opulation. This was what Sir George Grey advocated as a portion of his liberal programme; but he never brought it forward in the House. What would bo the use of extending the franchise if tho people were not fairly represented ? I very much regretted to find that the Government did not bring that forward during last sessioxi, and I say further, that no Government is entitled to the confidence of the House or of New Zcalaiid, who will not grapple with the question and settle it upon a proper basis." Mr Montgomery's idea would seem to be that the members are returned I tq the House to represent the non-' !

electors — the Avomen and children — as Avell as the electors. This is no doubt tlia case in a certain s&nse ; but if population is to be entirely the basis of representation, then the population should elect the members, and th!e women and the children be all entitled to Vote at elections. If it Is otherwise, then we would have 'a small body of electors returning as many members a's a large body, because the whole population happens to be equal. Suppose* for example, in a place containing 24,000 inhabitants there were 13/060 names on the roll, and hi another place with the same number of inhabitants there were only 8000 names on the roll, according to Mr Montgomery's idea this representation of each place Would be equal, notwithstanding that the one place would have twice as many electors as the other. To our thinking Mr Montgomery's sde"a--is, altogether wrong, Witli a liberal electoral Jaw- tuore can be no better basis ■of. than the electoral rolls, but we do not consider that it should bo the only basis. We must never lose sight of the fact that if wo regulate, Me representation strictly up" on population or upon the number of electors on the different tolls, we should give to the large towns a propondci anco of influence that would bo scarcely fair to the rest of the colony. Perhaps the difficulty might be met by introducing- something after the English sj r steni of borough and county representation, limiting the former to a certain number of members. The whole, question, however, adniits of a good deal of discussion, and it is surrounded with so many difficulties that whichever way it is settled there will bo some dissatisfaction. It is impossible to fix upon a plan, that will nt at every lioiiit, lmt if the question is approached with a sincere desire to deal with it in an equitable spirit, the issue cannot fail to bo acceptable to the majority of the people.