At present matters are conducted as follows: In the event of the defeat and resignation of a Ministry the Governor, representing Her Majesty, requests some representative to form a new Ministry. This gentle man selects colleagues to suit himself, decides on a policy, and tho fight between the ins and the outs is resumed with renewed vigor. It is unnecessary to refer to the bribery and corruption, the deceit and demoralisa tion that have been resorted to in the past in order to a Ministry maintaining its position. Our readers have some acquaintance with the extent to which the injustice of the " spoils to tha victors " has been and is being perpetrated in order to prolong power and emolument. They are aware that under the present pernicious system the interests of the people and the prosperity of the country are almost wholly subordinated to the interests of political party." All are aware that under the party system representative government in the democracy of N?w Zealand has gradually merged into something very much akin to absolute despotism. One man rules, his word is law, and the large proportion of the people's representatives are simply his tools, ready to obey his every behest. It will be remembered, for example, that during last session Mr Saddon brought down his works estimates and compelled his followers to pass them unaltered in one night, before members had an opportunity of even reading the public woiks statement. Not only was he thus allowed to appropriate the people's money as he .willed, but 'since then he has been permitted to spend it when and how he thought proper. Surely a stop should be at once put to this state of matters. We do not blame the Minister, it is the system that permits such abuses that is at fault, and the remedy is the, election of the people's representatives instead of their being selected by one man chosen by the Governor. If thus elected for a term of years there would be no need of log rolling, for bribery and, corruption,

for awarding the spoils to the victors in order to retain office. The peoplo and their representatives would then hold the supreme power instead of this being. exercised by one man, and Ministers and legislation would be subject to the will of the people/ The -system of elective. 