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Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 25, 19 November 1878, Page 2

Copies of the new Electoral Roll have been circulated in the district by Mr Ross, the Returning Officer. We observe that the number of electors on the roll is 154 G. This is an increase of nearly double the number eniollecl last year. The number of Maoris on the roll is no less than 179. It will be seen from this that the Maori vote may, under certain circumstances,balance the whole election. The question will have to be decided soon whether the Maoris are to be allowed always, as at present, two votes. They vote for the Maori members in the House,and also have equal privileges with the Pakeha, in voting for the European members. There is a " sweet inconsistency " about this, which should deeply impress the noble savage with the paternal character of our laws. When it is remembered that the total number of male Maoris over 15 years of age, ia only 14,553, and when the comparatively small

! mimluH' who reside iv Maiitnvatu is coinudoved, it will V>o soon that 18(3 is a very laryo prouorlion ol' tho whi.di' to h.xvo upon Iho electoral roil of this constituency.