MR. FOWLDS’ SUGGESTION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 9, 21 December 1911, Page 4

MR. FOWLDS’ SUGGESTION.

The “Lyttelton Times” considers that Mr. Fowlds suggested the obviously right course for the prevention of the political deadlock that is threatening ahead, and goes on to say; It is evident now that whether Sir Joseph Ward or Mr. Massey meets the new House of Representatives in the capacity of Prime Minister, little progress can he made with any serious legislative business without another appeal to the constituencies. At present it looks as if Sir Joseph Ward would have a nominal majority of four, including the Maori members, but it is not likely that he would attempt to carry through the programme ho submitted to the electors before the polls without some assurance of support from the other

side. Mr. 51a ssey, on tiie other hand, will not lie anxious to go to the country again at once, but he will be even less inclined to give the Government any assistance in making its legislative promises good. In these circumstances there can' ho no doubt that the best course would be for Parliament to meet early in the autumn, and, after passing the electoral law which Mr. Fowlds has indicated, and transacting the absolutely necessary business, hold itself in readiness to dis-

solve directly the new rolls were prepared. Both Sir Joseph Ward and Mr. Massey . have committed themselves to the principle of proportional representation, though neither of them „seems to have quite realised the magnitude and significance of the reform, and we believe that a large majority of the electors would welcome any system of voting that would ensure public opinion finding its proper expression in the popular branch of the Legislature. Mr. Fowlds circulated a Bill last session which well might form the basis of the new measure, but for ourselves we should like to see even larger constituencies than those the preacher of the new evangel proposed.