A COMPLICATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17285, 28 September 1916, Page 11

A COMPLICATION.

PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTA-

TION IN CITY.

“ There is a complication in connection with the adoption of tho Proportional Representation Act which may have a prejudicial effect on election day,” ran a clause of the By-Laws Committee’s report to the City Council last night. “Tho Lyttelton Harbour .Board and the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board elections will bo held under the old system, and as this will probably confuse the electors the committee recommends that these two hoards bo requested to adopt the Act.” Councillor J. M’Combs stated, when the clause was considered, that it was not at all nocessary for the other bodies to come into line, for there would bo one roll for all purposes and all the issues could bo voted on in any booth. He would bo sorry to see the other bodies make a partial application of the new system, namely, proportional representation in the Christchurch part of the harbour area, and other voting elsewhere. This would bo most unfair. The Mayor said that he thought there would be a difficulty, and the Minister of Interna! Affairs had pointed it out. “ The Minister of Internal Affairs,” Councillor M’Combs replied, “does not wish to see proportional representation tried. He is raising artificial difficulties.” The clauso was adopted.