THE MUNICIPAL FRANCHISE

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 13972, 20 February 1911, Page 8

THE MUNICIPAL FRANCHISE

HOW THE ROLL IS MADE.

In the course of enquiry from the Town Clerk as to the municipal roll, a "Press" representative was informed that the new roll has to be made under statute. Every two years the new main roll has to be made up by February 15th. This comprises ratepayers, freeholders, and those possessing residential qualifications who put in a proper claim. All those who are on the old roll still possessing the requisite qualifications are entered on the hew roll without any application on their part. In the case of those on the old roll under the residential qualification, enquiries are made at the house given in the qualification, and this year it was found that 60 per cent, had moved. To these a circular was addressed, telling* them that their names would be struck off the roll if it was found they did not possess the qualification. If they possessed any other qualification, it was suggested that they should send in a claim. It was expected that the letter carriers would know where many of these people had moved to, and this turned out to be tho case. Still an enormous number came back through the Dead (Letter office. The qualifications are as under:— Ratepayers—That the 'person's name is entered in the occupier's'column of the rate roll. Freeholder—A person duly registered as the beneficial owner in fee simple of piece of land value not less than £25. Residential —That the claiu'iant has been three months in occupation as tenant or sub-tenant, or as one of several tenants or sub-tenants in common of the whole or any portion of any warehouse, office, shop, or other building in tho ward or undivided borough to which the list relates, under a tenancy the rent of which is at tho rate of not less than £10 per annum. The qualification under the new .franchise is residence for twelve months in New Zealand; residence for three months last past in the borough or ward if divided. Part residence in two wards does not count. The claimant must be a British subject and over twenty-one years of age. These qualifications apply equally to women. It may be impressed upon those desiring to rote at the forthcoming municipal elections that being on the Parliamentary roll is not sufficient qualification under the new franchise. They must claim to be placed on the new municipal roll as stated above. The main roll closed on February 18th, and is now open for inspection till February 22nd. The supplementary roll will close about March 28tb. The following table shows the comparative numbers placed on the main rolls for 1909 and 1911 .— 1909 1911 Increase Central Ward 3,741 5,292 1,551 Linwood Ward 1,842 2,436 594 St. AlbansWard 2.863 3,951 1,088 Sydenham Ward 3,462 5,813 2,351

Grand totals 11,908 17,492 5,584