THE COUNTRY QUOTA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23156, 30 September 1938, Page 10

THE COUNTRY QUOTA

A clear statement on the Government's intentions with respect to the country electoral quota is due from the Prime Minister. In 1935 Mr. Savage promised that, if placed in power, he would not interfere with the quota during the ensuing term of Parliament, a pledge that he faithfully kept. He has refused to be drawn as to his intentions in the future, however, avoiding a direct answer to questions put to him in the House of Representatives last session. On one of these occasions he informed his questioner that "the country will get the answer, but you won't." The Prime Minister should realise that the country still awaits his answer and is uneasy at his evasions in Parliament. If there were no concealed intention to abolish the quota, the country people argue, it would be to Labour's political advantage for Mr. Savage to answer straigh£forwardly. Their doubts were increased this week when Mr. Semple, speaking at Tai Tapu, also side-stepped the issue. For the quota is really a first-class political issue. "When it was instituted in 1881 the country accounted for 60 per cent of New Zealand's population and the towns only 40 per cent. To-day the proportions are reversed, six out of every 10 persons residing in the towns. Hence, in spite of the country's primary plac!e in the national economy, its political influence is declining and would be finally overcome by the towns if the quota were abolished. Country people see how in three short years a Labour Government with urban ideas has tipped the balance against them and ai J e fearful lest this trend should continue, a trend that may well prejudice the whole national economy. Failing a firm answer from the Prime Minister, country electors should therefore in the next two weeks demand pledges on the quota issue from every candidate and make a note against polling day of those who refuse to be drawn.