Untitled

Poverty Bay Independent, Volume I, Issue 28, 28 July 1885, Page 2

Sir George Grey’s Plurality of Votes Bill, having for its object the rescinding of the existing law whereby wealthy men are now, in numerous instances, enabled to record as many as seven or eight votes at a general election, has again been thrown out, on the casting vote of the Speaker, after having passed its third reading by a large majority. The measure has frequently been before the House, and has always met with a very determined opposition at the hands of that party whose constant aim is to perpetuate this and like evils, and to work against the just rights and privileges of the large masses of the people. The importance of the subject to a vast Humber Of the inhabitants of this colony

can scarcely be over-rated, as it is a right to which they are justly entitled. The great pressure and burden of all taxation undoubted falls upon the shoulders of the people, and only tyranical and insolent prejudice could deny the people of these colonies an equal right and share in the -representation of the country. Why the people of these islands should be denied a right which is enjoyed by the people even in conservative England, is beyond comprehension, and is a standing disgrace to our so-called Liberal Ministry. In moving the second reading of the measure its promoter justly remarked : “ There seems to be a peculiar propriety in bringing this measure forward at a time when so large an amount of taxation is to be thrown on every male inhabitant of this colony, and upon their wives and children, while they have also to bear so considerable proportion of the payment of the interest upon our loans, the expenditure of which loans has given enormous value to property, no part of which belongs to themselves. When I think of this, I am almost amazed at the patience with which the people have for a number of years submitted to such a state of things.” How much longer the people will bear with such an unwholesome and unjust state of things must entirely rest with themselves, and we trust that each constituency will, with ourselves, scan the division list, and where it is seen that a member has voted against the wishes and interests of his constituency, that every exertion will be made to at least prevent his again enacting so bad a part, and that proper steps be taken to ensure the return of men pledged to support such a measure.