GOVERNMENT AND VOTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18334, 26 February 1923, Page 5

GOVERNMENT AND VOTING.

Sir,—Although the Parliamentary system of government has had a long trial it is doubtful whether it entirely satisfies any section of the community. It is a cumbersome and very expensive machine. It turns out stacks of statutes but fails to please the bulk of the people. It moves slowly, or not at all, in matters of vital importance to the welfare of the country. Cannot a better system, then, be devised and introduced? It has been suggested that each province should elect a representative for a term of years 'to a State Council, the members of which would control the Government Departments and make laws of minor importance upon a majority vote of the council. All momentous questions would bo referred to the people for decision by referendum. They would have the right to petition the council to take a referendum upon any question of great national importance. A council of ten or twelve members, at £1500 per annum each, would probably accomplish more good for. "fee country in much less time and at much less expense than any body of men can do under the present bicameral «Parliamentary system. Whatever be the method of election adopted in connection with the existing Parliamentary, institution, "this point require!! to be stressed, that in order to get what they want the responsible and thoughtful portion of 'the community must go beyond the ballot box and bring their united pressure to bear upon the legislature. Proportional representation or preferential voting may or may not be a good method of election, but something more is needed to "deliver the goods." Are the people any better off) for, instance, in countries where either of these systems have been tried for years? If not, it would appear that the agitation for such reforms is about as valuable, as beating: the air. It will be . remembered ttiftfc -the Christchurch City Council - tried proportional representation with the assistance of a theoretical expert from Wellington, who was engaged to conduct the Counting of the votes (a process which would nave severely taxed the patience of Job), "but at the following municipal election the i council reverted to the >' simple and easily understood "first past the post" system. 'The electoral officials who - had to carry out the large number ■> of i wearisome counts were not at all enamoured of the P.P.. system. I am told that it is calculated to excite ; profanity in those who are charged with the responsibility of , conducting elections,". and profanity should be avoided at all cost*. ■v EtECTOB. i