PROPOSED RE-DISTRIBUTION OF SEATS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2048, 27 November 1907, Page 3

PROPOSED RE-DISTRIBUTION OF SEATS.

SOUTH ISLAND OPPOSITION

MOOTED

EXISTING ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES FAVORED.

(Special to Times.l WELLINGTON, Nov. 26

On Ills return to his constituency Jlr. Bennett, “the silent member” for Tuateka, stated that he was firmly of opinion that early next session an attempt (which lie as certain will lie successful) will be made to-retain the existing electoral boundaries of tho South Island, without disturbing'the North Island’s now quota. Several North Island members, Air. Bennett pays, are favorable to tilings remaining as they now are in the South Island. He feels certain that during tho recess the whole question w.iill be freely discussed from the public phwti'orin, ending with Parliament tackling it early next session, and dealing with it' on the lines lie had indicated. . Mr. Bennett evidently over-esrt-mates the amount of, support tins proposal is likely _to receive. A large number of North Island members will strongly oppose it, and some South Island members have told me that they also will oppose it A denut itian that went to Sir Joseph Ward during the laefc few days of- the session failed to induce him to-deal with the matter (tins vear. It is a curious thing that hot a word about this deputation has leaked out, and that the press were not asked to attend, though the matter was one of public interest and colonial importance.