Population and Politics.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 23, 7 June 1911, Page 6

Population and Politics.

Several week* ago. Mi. Arthur Myer*. M.P., stated iu an interview with a “Star** Reporter that, ho far as the census returns then disclosed. there would probably be three or even four ailuilionat members allotted to the North Island, with three possibly in the Auckland province. A reporter from the " Star ” waited on Mr. Myers last week, and asked if he wa~ still of this opinion. " The census returns now published. - * said Mr. Myers, give the population of the North Island Boroughs as 282.393, North Island counties 277.413. South Island borough* 223.017. and South Island counties 218.559. In computing the population for electoral purposes the Commissioner- are required to add 28 per cent to the rural population: and if we add this 28 per cent to the population of the counties which may be taken as roughly synonymous with the rural population. this make- a total for the North Island of 4137.481. and for South Island 502,772. If you work out the proportion you will find that this gives 42 members to the North Island, and 34 to the South, even allowing the South Island the benefit of the fraction: which is a gain to the North Island of four members: so it seems to me that the estimate I formerly made is likely to be justified.'* “Could you give anv indication as to where the extra electorates are likely to be created?" Mr. Mver- was asked.

“ The Taw 'eaves something to the discretion of the Commissioners.” replie.t the member for Auckland East. “ and in the rural districts they are allowed to make an allowance up’ to 550 pc—sons by way of addition to or deduction from the population; so that it is racier difficult to express a definite opinion on this point. I think, however, that there will still probably be an extra district created in the suburbs of Auckland, another probably between the Tauranga and Taumarunui electorates, and another in the vicinity of the suburbs of Wellington.” ” Should you be disposed to support the proposal that has been put forward to increase the total number of members?"

" I am not in favour of this suggestion. It would aive New Zealand a larger House . f Representatives than the Australian Commonwealth, or any of the Australian Btate- ex ept New South Wales. In any i-a-e it would only be a temporary expedient, as the same question might arise after each census, and it could n- t aiwavs be met by increasing the number of member-.’