LOCAL GOVERNMENT FRANCHISE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CI, Issue 11889, 12 May 1899, Page 6

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FRANCHISE.

TO THE EDITOR. . Sir,—The ratepayers of the Little River Road Board district were called; upon yesterday to elect two members to represent them in that august body. There were three gentlemen nominated for this much coveted position", Messrs White, Barclay and Parkerson. The polling caused some stir in and about the Courthouse, and, as usual, the big property-holders were returned, the middle man standing no show. I, with many others of the ratepayers, would respectfully suggest to the Right Hon R. J. Seddon that a small Bill be brought in next session of Parliament, abolishing the present mode of plural voting for local bodies. As the law now stands in this connection the middle man is put on the one side, although he may have equal abilities, and would see that more justice were clone tb the holders of small farms by getting proper roads made leading to their homesteads. I hope the Legislature will do what I suggest, and cause these elections to be carried out on the same principle as that of the House of Representatives, viz., one man one vote, and thus remove a public injustice. The passage of such a reform would be of equal importance to that of the Old Age Pensions Bill, I think lam safe in saying that our member is in sympathy with the above views.—l am, etc., RATEPAYER.