THE ELECTORATES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10231, 14 August 1911, Page 1

THE ELECTORATES.

EXIT TAIERI, ENTER RAGLAN

REPRESENTATION COMMISSION TO REPORT TC'DAY. [From OUR Correspondent.]

WELLINGTON, August 13. It is expected that the report of the Representation Commission will be n-nrln r>ublic on Monday, when a special " Gazette." will be puMisbeu tun Muling particulars of the provisional boundaries of the electorates. The important point of general interest is the allocation of seats as between the North and South Islands. This-, as was very plain after the census figures wore published, results in the North Island gaining one seat, a corresponding electorate being taken out of the South Island. Ths new electorate is to be called " Raglan," and is situated mostly in the old Waikato constituency. It will also take in portions of Taumarunui, which lies to the south of Tauranga, Mr Herries's scattered _ constituency, which is in the east, running right over to the coast. The west coast will be the western boundary of the new electorate, and it will include the towns of Raglan and Kawhin- on the coast. On its northern boundary it will abut ou the Franklin electorate, now represented by Mr Massey. By this change Mr H. J. Greenslade, the member for Yvaikato, will completely lose his former distinction of representing one of the most scattered districts. When he first contested. Waikato the task of making a tour of the constituency was lengthy, but the 1905 census made the constituency more compact., and it is now almost, as closely packed as a suburban seat. It will include the towns of Hamilton and Huntly. bavins between them a. population of nearly 6000. When the Representation Commission commenced to carve up this seat after the recent census it showed a population of nearly 18.000, which was further increased by the substantial addition due in the way of a. percenttage allowed to country areas for the purpose of determining the quota. Taumarunui, which contributes substantially to the new electorate, has a population of 19,215, or <IOOO in excess of the quota, without allowing for the rural percentage. It is shorn to the south, as the older electorates in that direction have not grown at the same rapid pace. The- southern seat to disappear is Taieri. It will be absorbed by the surrounding seats of ilruce. Clutha and Tuapeka, which will themselves be found to have undergone considerable change. ' \