AN UNFORESEEN DIFFICULTY.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 8738, 9 March 1894, Page 6

AN UNFORESEEN DIFFICULTY.

A public meeting was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Sydenham, last evening, when addresses were given upon subjects connected with the coming licensing election. There was a fair attendance, the Hall being two-thirds full, and Mr G. J. Smith, M.H.R., occupied tbe chair. The Rev. R, Taylor having given an address, the Rev. R. Erwin moved — "That this meeting being convinced that the abolition of the liquor traffic will serve the best interests of humanity, resolves to exercise the full power conferred upon the men and women electors under the existing law by voting • no license' on March 21st." Mr T. E. Taylor seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr R. Beattie also \ spoke, and the meeting terminated. S 4*PR_SS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAMS.] WELLINGTON, March 8. The Press to-night says — "A rather serious difficulty has arisen in connection with closing the electoral rolls for the licensing election. There is not the slightest provision or hint given in the Act of last session for closing the rolls at all. and the question arises if Regist-ars have the power to refuse applications for enrolment even right up to the day of election. The Electoral Act under which the same roils are used as for the licensing election, provides that the rolls for Parliamentary elections close as from the date of the issue of writs. The Electoral and Alcoholic Liquors Sales Control Acts being- on very similar lines in regard to the conduct of'eleetions, the Registrars through the colony have been guided in the closing of the licensing rolls by the Electoral Act, and closed the rolls from the date of advertising the election. In Wellington, therefore, the rolls practically, although informally, closed on Tuesday last, and no applications for enrolment posted or handed in after that date will be entertained. This may give rise to litigation, with the possibility of upsetting the whole elections. Any applicant whose

claim for enrolment has been refused may, providing he is qualified to enrol, appeal against the action of the Registrar in closing the roll, and seeing that no authority for so closing is given in the Act, his appeal will not be without cood foundation." " DUNEDIN, March 8. The temperance party will nominate the following Committee for the Waihemo electorate :—Messrs Rutherford, Kakanui ; Thompson, Maheno : Rev. Nichol, Hampden; Kirby, Naseby; Engle, St. Bathans; J. J. Ramsay, Hyde; Gilmore, Shag Valley ; James Service, PalmerstoD. The temperance ticket for the Port Chalmeis district comprises Messrs Andrew Thompson, C. S. Hodge, John Begg, George Calder, William Aitken, John Wilson, James Stewart.