THE REPRESENTATION QUESTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2210, 14 October 1907, Page 1

THE REPRESENTATION QUESTION.

A PROPOSED ALTERATION

(Special to Times). WELLINGTON, Oct. 13.

Tho movement with a view to an alteration in tho Representation Act is being revived. Tho last meeting of tho Representation Commissioners resulted in a readjustment of boundaries whereby, owing to the alteration in population, tho South Island is to lose' and the North Island is to gain three members. Somo of the South Island members are anxious to retain the old constituencies, and with that object in view they propose that tho present number of members should bo retained for tho South Island, and that as a quid pro quo the North Island should have allotted to it three more constituencies. Tho proposal would mean increasing the number of members of Parliament from 80 to 83. Under this proposal in the next Parliament the North Island would have six members more than at present, while the South Island would retain its present status. Mr. Tlios. Mackenzie, whose present constituency disappears altogether, is arranging a deputation to tlio Premier on the subject. Tho proposal is, however,' likely to meet with very strong opposition, because the change is thought by many to be ■unnecessary,and the expense of the legislative machine is already too great.