The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING, TUESDAY, MAY 16, 1911.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3219, 16 May 1911, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING, TUESDAY, MAY 16, 1911.

Electoral Representation.

It seems to be generally recognised now that it will be found that the North Island is entitled to at least three seats at the expense of the South Island as a result of the census returns. From the point of view of the North Island this is a matter for sincere congratulation, but, of course, it is looked upon in a very different light in the South Island. If the estimate which is given proves accurate, it will mean that before the next election the North Island will have the right to elect 44 members, whilst the quota for the South Island will total only 32. Moreover, when the members representing the Native race are added, the position will be still further to the disadvantage of the South Island, for the North Island will then have in all 47 members, as against an aggregate of 33 for the South Island. Under the circumstances, it really cannot be regarded as surprising that the matter is engaging very serious attention in the South Island. Such is the existing system that it has been possible for the South Island in the past to secure greater recognition in the matter of public works expenditure. Now, however, it will not be likely that'the Government of the day would for one moment neglect to allow the North Island its fair share of the moneys so available. As" showing how the power of the South Island has waned—for it must not be forgotten that numbers count in this regard—it may be stated that, omitting the Native'members, the South Island had at the census in 1891 40 members, as against 30 representing constituencies in the North Island. Five years later, or to be more exact, in 1896, the South Island had 39 members, compared with 31 North Island members. When the census was taken in 1901, the South Island could boast 36 members to 34 members in the North Island. Then at the time of the 1906 census both islands had equal representation, viz., 38 members. Consequent on that census, however, the South Island had only 35 members, as against 41 members representing electorates in the North Island. And now, again, the South Island is once more faced with a further reduction of, say, three seats, which will, of course, go to swell the aggregate of North Island electorates. It is but natural under the circumstances that the position should not occasion satisfaction, in the South Island. With a much greater population the North Island will now he entitled to the larger proportion of the moneys available' for public works. This will undoubtedly be proper, not only on account of the fact that the South Island has already

been much better developed, but also in view of the fact thaj the fund fox*

public works should be fairly distributed, having due regard to the population of each district and the urgency of the various requirements. Now that it is quite clear that the North Island is going to completely outstrip the South Island, It is interesting to note the attitude which is being adopted in the matter in the South Island. First of all there comes the suggestion made by the “Dunedin Star” that the quota of representation as between the two islands should be fixed arbitrarily for a period of ten or twenty years without regard to fluctuation of population. • This proposal would not, of course, meet with approval in the North Island, and it is important to note that even the “Lyttelton Times” does not regard it as an equitable one as far as the North Island is concerned. “If the conditions which existed in 1896, for example, had been fixed for a term of twenty years,” says the “Lyttelton Times,” “the South Island to-day would have thirty-six representatives in Parliament and the North Island only thirty-four, in spite of the fact that considerably less than half of the Dominion’s population resides on our (the South) side of Cook Strait, or, in other "words, a South Island vote would be worth more than a North Island vote.” Not quite such a drastic proposal, but one which Is equally important has been put forth by Mr. Allen, M.P. for Bruce. According to Mr Allen, steps should be taken to prevent the loss of further seats to the South Island, whilst making the representation for the North Island more numerous, as its census warranted an increase. Here, again, we think that the “Lyttelton Times,” although not discussing this suggestion at the time, puts the matter in its proper light. “A democracy,” it says, “must be willing that representation shall follow population freely and faithfully.” It is all very well for the South Island to come along now with these plausible suggestions. But it might be asked was it ever so earnestly proposed when the South Island was in the ascendancy, that the North Island should have “special” representation? Had such been the case it is clear that quite a number of unprofitable works in the South Island might never have been commenced, whilst the development of the North Island might have been considerably expedited. "What it is that the South Island now fears is, we think, quite evident. “It would be possible,” remarks Mr. Allen, “for a much larger population to be carried in the South Island, especially in Central Otago, if the land there could be given over to close settlement, properly cultivated and watered.” But without such large expenditure on the part of the State, settlement in a greater ratio could be secured in the North Island. When this is more fully recognised by the Government of the day it will, we think, be a good thing for the Dominion as a whole.