PAROCHIAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 440, 12 April 1890, Page 2

PAROCHIAL POLITICS.

The way in which some journals discuss the question of the electoral boundaries is very entertaining. The Manawatu Herald says ; —“ The fate of the Manawatu electorate is much to be regretted, as it has now been divided amongst its neighbors, and the arrangements are most inconvenient to allow of Mr Macarthur obtaining a seat. We think his exclusion from Parliament would be most unfortunate, as he has had a lengthy experience in it, and last session was undoubtedly a prominent figure. Our member, Mr J. G. Wilson, is to be congratulated in securing his old district, with the additions of others which will not outweigh the support he has secured.” According to this method of reasoning the districts only exist for the benefit of the individuals, and the terrible fact that Mr Macarthur will find it inconvenient to obtain a seat is paraded as an objection to the new arrangement, though Mr Wilson has fortunately secured his district. New Zealand has suffered greatly from this class of parochial politics, and the reduction of members promises to have an important effect in teaching the electors that affairs of State are entitled to more weight than petty local matters which are so much guided by the individuality of those who take part in them, rather than by any fixed principles.