THE MANAWATU HERALD. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1878. READJUSTMENT OF THE REPRESENTATION.

Manawatu Herald, 1 October 1878, Page 2

THE MANAWATU HERALD. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1878. READJUSTMENT OF THE REPRESENTATION.

On Wednesday last, the House of Representatives passed the following resolution, which was moved by Dr. Hodgkixson, the member for Riverton : — " That this Houco considers it desirable that the Government should, during this session, bring in a Bill for the readjustment of the representation in this Houso ; or, if such a Bill cannot be got ready during the present session, that the Government be requested to prepare one during the recess." An amondmont proposed by Mr "VVason, who represents Coleridge, that the last clause be struck out, was lost by 40 votes to 14. The object of Mr Wason's amendment was probably either to force the Bill before the House this session, or else, knowing the impossibility of it being passed at so late a period, he desired to shelve the whole matter. But from whatever light we view the rejected amendment, it is most certain that the House has unanimously affirmed that a readjustment of the representation is required. We believe that the representation will require to be adjusted every second Parliament, owing to the rapidity with which new districts are opened up, and fresh centres of population formed. That a redistribution is necessary at present must be readily admitted. Electoral districts which at last adjustment were but sparsely populated, are crowded with a busy population, whilst several gold fields districts which ten years ago supported thousands of men, are now almost deserted. Totara, for instance, which the Hon Mr Gisborne represents, is a small mining district on the West Coast of the South Island. At one time a flourishing district with several thousand inhabitants, it has since gradually dwindled awaj until now there are probably not more than 200 voters in the whole constituency. We might mention several other electoral districts in which during the last eight or ten years, the population has considerably decreased, but which continue to be represented by a member in the Lower House. On the other hand, other districts have progressed with rapid strides, and their population is now tenfold greater than when the present distribution was made. The Manawatu Electoral District may be takdn as an example. Eight years ago, when a member was first allotted to Manawatu, the population was small and scattered ; there was hardly a centre of population excepting Foxton; and the business done was comparatively small. Now, however, large blocks of land are settled ; Sandon, Palmerston, Vcilding, and Halcombe, have sprung up, {

and become important towns, as well us thoi"' older sister, Fuxton, which has steadily progressed, wh :I 3v tho trade lias largely increa.sod ; and wo think that under thos3 circumstances an additional member might fairly bo asked. If the'readjustment takes place, as it is almost sure 10, on the basia of population, then we expect that this district will receive an increase of representation.

The House lias acted wisely in giving the Government a year in which to prepare the Readjustment Bill. Such measures need careful calculation in order to arrive at a correct estimate of what would be the best principle upon which to have the proposed readjustment of the representation ; and as tho Premier heartily approves of the proposed measure, we are sure that a Jiill will be brought down early next session, which will commend itself by its fairness to the Lower House.

The Land Tax.— ln the Lower House on Friday r '-.ghir., the clause in the Land Tax Bill, exempting property up to £000 was passed 1 Whilst heartily agreeing with the tax on land, we th ; nk it is only just that small holders of land should be exempt. This xt'W bo especially felfc ' \ this district, where a tax on all would be a great hardship. The first £-500 of value will not be included in any tax made . For instance, if a man owns property of tho value of ;£80l), he will only be taxed for £300, as the first £500 will be exempt from taxation.