MR. STEWARD AND THE COUNTRY ELECTORS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1043, 23 August 1879, Page 2

MR. STEWARD AND THE COUNTRY ELECTORS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE GAMARTT MAIL. Sir, —I, with other electors, read with no small amount of surprise the letter of " County Elector," in your issue of the 22nd inst. If it is true—as, of course, I presume it is—then Mr. Steward is a dangerous man to elect, and town and country electors should combine to oppose him. For though, in ordinary business, the interests of town and country should be combined as much as possible, in order to work together for the advancement of the district at large ; yet, in politics, it would be a great advantage to both if each had its separate representative. For as by the Counties Act as soon as a town is declared a borough it is separated from the county in all municipal matters, so it should be in political ; and I think a clause ought to be introduced into the Municipal Act and the next Representation Act, that as soon as a town has arrived at sufficient dimensions to become a borough, and has obtained that honour, it should by the same right be at once entitled tc elect a member for Parliament, without reducing the number of country members, thus in a measure accommodating the representation to the increase of electors, without calling for fresh legiglation. This is in accordance with the Liberal code oui late members advocate.—l am, &c., Another Country Elector. *