NANSEN-HOGBEN VOTING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 148, 26 June 1934, Page 4

NANSEN-HOGBEN VOTING

UHL scheme propounded by Mr. Will Appleton, at Otaki, for the deciding of elections by preferential votes, has much to commend it. It is a weakness of politicians to hold idealistic views concerning the conduct of Parliamentary elections, but the nearer their party approaches to the Treasury Benches the less anxious are they to support schemes which the more correctly register public opinion. The late Mr. Massey, when he abolished the second ballot, promised something better. The something better has, however, never been provided, and the unintelligent “first-past-the-post” policy has continued down to this day. The late Mr. Holland was for a long time an ardent advocate of the proportional representation system of elections; but as his political party grew in numerical strength in the House of Representatives, his interest in proportional representation decidedly waned, and eventually he lost his faith therein. The scheme propounded by Mr. Appleton has been advanced by the New Zealand Legion, and credit is due to that organisation for bringing forward the scheme. The NansenHogben system has some definite merit and is entitled to be closely considered. It is to be hoped that the public will take a lively interest in the system; and if, after proper consideration it is to be found as satisfactory as it at first inspection appears, it is to be hoped that a full measure of support will be forthcoming to ensure, that it is adopted in this Dominion.