ELECTORAL REFORM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23178, 26 October 1938, Page 17

ELECTORAL REFORM

Sir, —In his second letter, "R.H.J." agrees that those desiring changes in the system of parliamentary representation should organise. In passing, I would point out that if one looks closely into what is actually happening now, one must see that voting is already largely on group lines, but on an unscientific foundation with Parliament itself. Here we must note that all science is based on natural law, all else being rule of thumb and guesswork.

Several labour organisations have contributed substantial funds to the Labour Pnrt.v, some after taking a ballot. For this they have been severely criticised in certain quarters, but their action has been perfectly natural and rational, it being their view that the welfare of the individual member is inseparably wrapped up in that of their particular group, and the group interest hest served politically by he Labour Party. Other bodies, mostlv secretly, also similarly support particular political parties. Thus we see the group system at work, albeit in an unsatisfactory manner. Let us take the natural and rational plan to its logical conclusion, and let all these groups send their delegates to Parliament direct. This would delete most of the dis-siniulation and pother, give stability, and give all such advantages as are claimed for the referendum, recall, elective executive, initiative, and so on.

To come to the question of practical organisation, f suggest that Auckland City should take the initiative. Call a meeting of delegates from various major industrial and social bodies, such as the Auckland Provincial Farmers' Union, Manufacturers' Association. South Auckland Dairy Association, Importers' Bureau, one or two of the larger lahrtur unions, Women's Institutes, Women's Division. League of Mothers, the Freedom Association and others. It would be desirable to invite two delegates in each case, so that both a chairman and a secretary (for technical reasons) could be present where desired.

A nicotine on the ahove lines would ho thoroughly representative of all major industries and social bodies, a "nod cross-section of the community. While I would not oppose any reasonable reform, I would very much like to soo the group system adopted, because 1 believe that the co-operation of the groups gives the greatest social and economic efficiency. Further, in view of the state of the world to-day, it .seems sure that we are not going to have much breathing time in which to prove that, under democratic freedom. we can more than match the dictatorship States in all-round efficiency. Matamata. T. E. McMillax.