A curious experiment seems likely to be tried in New
Zealand. Mr. MacLean, the Superintendent of Hawkes' Bay, has introduced a Bill into the Lower House of Legislature to add four Maori representatives to the Chamber, to be chosen by manhood suffrage among the natives, three for the northern island, and one for the middle island, the experiment to be only for five years. This will probably make it necessary to translate all the motions, pro- ceedings, and speeches of a House of 70 members for the four Maories, unless it be possible,—which is unlikely,—to get four English-speaking Maories. And the influence of four Maories on debate, even on native questions, can scarcely be considerable. It is asserted, however, that the Maori chiefs are delighted with the idea, and if it only soothes them as a mere political compli- ment soothes, it may do good.
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