WELLINGTON CENTRAL SEAT.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 338, 27 October 1908, Page 9

WELLINGTON CENTRAL SEAT.

ADDRESS BY HON. T. W. HISLOP. FINANCIAL STRINGENCY. n T' T " K lS '°P> candidate for tho Wellington' Central scat, gavo a preliminary address last evening in tho Aro Street Hall, wluch was densely crowded. A more elaborate address will be given later. Mr. C. J). Kobcrtson ivas in tho chair. Mr. Hislop said that the subject which was filling most minds at tho present time was the development of a cortain stringency in tho money market—ho would not call it a depression—and an accession to tho number of those who wero unemployed, or not fully omployed. It was desirable to maintain a balance that would prevent tho swinging of the pendulum between prosperity and adversity. Tho Dominion had received a severe chcck —a check which should not discourage people, but should lead them to tho consideration- of those things that would make a recurrence of the check improbablo in tho future. They cculd seo the effects of a widespread depression in Great Britain, America, and othor countries. Ho referred to depressions in Now Zealand in tho 60's, in 1879, and in ISS3. Thqso dopr essions were duo principally _to outsido causes, though with more foresight it might have been seen in 18S3 that too much depcndenco was being placed 011 tho value of tho country's wheat. To-day wo had many more exports to rely upon than then. Tho most careful estimates showed that tho increase of people in tho wool-using countries was exceeding tho increase of wool. Tho fall in the price of wool was simply duo to industrial disarrangements in America and elsewhero. It was expected that tho American disarrangement would como right after the Presidential election, and in England, also, 110 believed that tho prico of wool would soon rise again. "With our butter and meat exports, and the certainty that wool would bo in demand before very long, there was 110 necessity, and it would bo a positive evil to lose heart. It was only necessary to have confidence in tho community, and in the resources of tho country, and determine to use thoso resources to tho best advantage, and we should soon seo tho sun of prosperity shining on us again. Borrowing Policy. Much had been said about tho borrowing since 1891. If he was reviewing the history of that period 110 would doubtless havo adverse criticism to givo on many points, but they should look at general results, and not at particular phases. "When tlie.v said that since 1891 tho National Debt had increased by 27 millions it seemed a very largo sum, and might frighten nervous persons," but they should look, not at the largeness of the debt, but at tho purposes on which it had been spent. A great deal of tho money had been expended in ways directly remunerative. Tho increase of our wealth had' been far greater than the increase of our loans, and that was tho important tiling.' Ho thought, liotfover, that tho Government's borrowing for the purpose of advances to settlers, had interfered to some extent with tho moneys nccessary for carrying on tho ordinary affnirs' of tho Dominion. Ho would bo glad if tho Government could see its way to go to London for money in the future, instead of to Australia, though lie ' admitted that the action of tho Government might bo based 011 information which was not at his disposal. It was no uso for the Government to gather up money in the community hero t-o bo given out through the advances to settlers system. They did not increase tho volume of money by doing that.

Land and Socialism. Speaking on tho land question, Mr. Hislop stated that as much settlement had gono on since 18S7 as iu the 30 years prior to that, showing the advantages of a liberal land ■ law. Speaking of Socialism, ho said that it was certainly unfair that one part of tho community should bear the chief brunt of economic depression when it occurred. We should watch tho trend of society, see the little diseases that occurred iu it, and see if, from our practical experience, We could apply remedies to ' increase tho Stability of society, nlake comfort widespread, alid provide that periods of depression should ho made as infrequent and harmless as possible. The question- of whether the present form of Ifeecutivp was a right one, whether we ought to manage tho great departments of tho State in som'o other way, was ono that would have to engage our attention. In view of tho'complexity and multiplicity of affairs dealt with now by the State, and the strain that was always oil an Executive, ho felt, that it might bo desirable to ease the Government of somo of the?e great departments, and manage them in another way.

i Questions. In answer to questions, Mr. --Hislop said that, if returned, lie would not support' a motion of no confidence in the Ward Ministry. lie was certainly not in favour of a change of Government which would place the reactionary party in power. He did not know whether his candidature was supported by tho present Ministry. He had had no intimation on tho subject. Mr.'D. M'Carlhy moved'a vote of thanks and confidence, which was carried Unanimously. MR. FISHER AT TORY STREET. Mr. F. M. B. Fisher, who is seeking reolection for Wellington Control, spoke in tho Mission Hall, Tory Street, last night. Tho building was crammed, and there were as many pooplo listening outside as within. Tho windows wero (thrown open for tho purpose of giving fresn air to one section of the crowd and political instruction to tho other. In tho course of his address, Mr. Fisher stated that ho still came before the electors with tho same degree of independence that ho had declared on former occasions. After four years in Parliament ho realised that the free-lance in tho House, whose sole interest was to servo tho community at largo and not merely to gratify his own personal aspirations was after all ono of tho most cifectivo critics that the country possessed. At tho same time, it should bo borne in mind that the independent member assumed lnoro responsibility than tho average part}' man: he was liablo to tho sometimes sovoro criticism of both sides, and there appeared to bo nothing in tho inilirediato future to reward him for his independent except tho continued confidence of tho people. "I am a strong believer in individuality," continued Mr. Fisher, "and I don't iniagino I shall over allow myself to becomo. a pliant and supple reed, which will bend to tho popular wind or yield itself Up absolutely to tho control of a domineering party leader Tho legislation passod Under tho present Parliamentary system could not be of a permanent nature, becauso it was passed without due consideration' by a huge and unthinking majority. The interests of tho country would be better served by a House which more equally represented tho feelings of the people, the ill-digested legislation that was put through was not really so much tho fault of tho I-l6u.sc as of tho people of tho Dominion, who term after term returned the parties in such disproportionate strength. Ho was however, glad to see that there were yet men loft in politics who persevered and struggled on against heavy, odds, hoping that tho day would come when the people would see the desirability of a moro equal division of power Tho meeting (of which Mr. Brookes was chairman) concluded with a vote of thanks and confidence. WELLINGTON EAST. MR: M'LAREN AT THE GASWORKS. : Mr. David M'Laren, Labour candidate addressed a meeting of workmen at the Gas Company's works yesterday at noon. Mi M'Laren dealt with questions of land taxation and industrial legislation. If the Arbitration Court reduced wages, lie said, there was no remedy as far as the Conciliation and 'Arbitration Act was concerned. The remedy lay in taking disputes to tho higher Court of Parliament, and that, lie submitted, was to be done by direct labour representation. It 1 .ad to be noted, Mr M'Laren added, that whilst tho Ministers had made much of disputes being settled by practical men,, yet the Conciliation Councils provided under the amended Act would only have power to advise, and the whole power of compulsion rested with the Court. 'A vole of thanks and conlidelico was accorded the speaker.

Mr. I). M'Laren, Labour candidate for Wellington East, had a good hearing last night in the all-too-confined spaco of the Bethel in Tory Street. In tho courso of a denunciation of the Government as antagonistic to tho workers, lie dipped into history. He stated that Edward Gibbon Wakefield, in l;is scliemo for tho colonisation of New Zealand, proposed to put a high artificial value on tho laud, so as to ensure that it should be taken up by nono but wealthy nidi, and then to stimulate immigration. The idea was that tho immigrants, being denied independent access to the land, would bo forced to accept low wages-from tho rich landowners. Mr. M'Larcn went on to say that tho same thing was going on under tho present Government. Land was boomed, and the cheapest labour obtainable was being introduced through immigratiou, for tho purpose of helping the largo squatters. He advocated tho increased taxation of land values. Tho speaker was accorded a voto of thanks and confidence. Mr. Oliver presided. WELLINGTON SOUTH. Mr. Chapman, Labour candidate for Wellington South, addressed an attentive audicnco in the open air at Rintoul Street last night, Sir. D. Jones presiding. The candidate criticised tho Government for claiming credit for the prosperity of the country, and insisted that if the claim was well founded the Government could just as rightly be blamed for tho present depression. He also objected to the farmers, who admittedly deserved encouragement, being considered to tho exclusion of the workers and their needs. WELLINGTON SUBURBS. MR. FITZGERALD'S CANDIDATURE. Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald, who is standing for the Suburbs sent, addressed a crowded meeting in St. Thomas's Hall, Newtown, last evoning. Mr. W. H. Stewart was in tho chair. Ho declared himsolf a party man and a supporter of the present Government. Tho Opposition, ho declared, was nothing but an apology, made up of the fast-dying wealthy landowners, and it was a lasting credit to tho Government that steps had been taken to relieve tho country of the wealthy landowners. Tho Government, whilo recognising that the taxation should bo reduced 011 the neccssarios of life, at the same tinio recognised that those -who wero best ablo to bear the burden should bo made to do so. Tho platform of Socialists in Now Zealand, said tho candidate, was as impossible as it was destructive. Legislation was needed for the benefit of tho poorest members of tho State; that was tho social reform necessary. Ho was in favour of tho industrial councils as now formed, also of n voluntary national superannuation fund. Tlio candidate also reforred to the legislation of the Liberal administration affecting tho rights and proper dignity of women. A vote of thanks and confidence was passed with cheers and musical acclamations, — PALMERSTON. tBY TEU!GUAl'n~l'iti:SS> AS-JOCIATIOS.) Paimerston North, October 26. Mr. D. Buick, tho Opposition candidate for tho Palmerston seat, addressed a crowded meeting at tho Opera House to-night, He criticised tho Government freely, alleging bribery by tho noii-expendituro of public moneys in Opposition districts.- At tho conclusion of tho address ho was accorded a Voto of thanks and confidence. WAIPAWA. (BY TELlSniurll-ri.'EKS ASSOCIATION,) Dannovirfco, October 26. A meeting of Opposition supporters held at Dannovirke to-night unanimously selected Mr. Geo. Hunter to contest tho Waipawa seat. A committee was formed to assist his candidature.

HAWKE'S EAY. (DY TEI.InDAfH.—SI'IXUt COItUBSPOJOENT.S October 26. Mr. Alfred Dillon, tlio Government selected candidate for the Hawke's Bay seat, opened his political campaign in tho Princess Theatre, Hastings, this ovoning. The candidate made it plain that he did not poso as an orator, and was accorded a good-hum-oured hearing. Ho camo prepared with reams of typo-written figures and matter, and after speaking for ton minutes held the reporters nonplussed. A member of tlio audicnco interjected, ■ "Speak up old man," and the candidate cheerily responded, "All right, old boy." He referred to the manner in which he Lad won the seat from Sir William llussell at tho last election, and considered that ho had sufficient mental and physical energy to retain it. Holding a sheet of foolscap in his hand, he said, "Now this is good. Listen to this," and proceeded to quote statistics of private wealth and the national debt, concluding by stating that the Opposition had a sluggish liver and required one of "Joseph's pills" to set it right. At the conclusion of his somewhat unique address, Mr. Dillon was accordcd a voto of thanks and confidcnce.

GHRIBTGH URCH EAST. (BY TEl,EUltAl'll—l'ltliSS ASSOCIATION.) Christchurch, October 26. Mr. T. H. Davoy, candidate for Christchurch East, opened his campaign to-night, when ho addressed a largo attondanco of electors. Ho spoke ill support'of tho general policy, of the Government, and at the closo of the meeting was accorded a voto of thanks and confidence. CHRISTCHURCH SOUTH, (BY TELEG It A I'll I'H KS3 ASSOCIATION.) Clirislcliurcii, October 26. Mr. H. G. Ell, who is seeking re-election for ■Christchurch South, addressed a meeting to-night, and was accorded a good hearing. He received a voto of thanks and confidence. TIMARU. .(BY TEtiEOKAI-K—PHtSS ASSOCIATION.) Timaru, October 26. Mr. W. D. Campbell, tho Opposition candidate for tho Timaru seat, addressed a crowded meeting in tho Theatre Royal this ovoning. He had a quiet but good reception. Ho devoted an hour and a half to tho Second Ballot Bill, and a short advocacy of proportional representation, giving as a reason that proper representation was tho basis of good legislation. He claimed tho vote of labour on this ground. He spoko in favour of an electivo Upper House (if any), and coiidcmned superannuation schomes that were not made self-supporting from tho start. At tho closo a hearty voto of thanks was carried with applause. MATAURA. (BY TELEGRAPH—I'ItIiSS ASSOCIATION.) p Gore, October '26. ■ To-morrow a deputation of Oppositionists will await upon Mr. E. I'\ Anderson, editor of the Mataura "Ensign," to formally ask him to contest Mataura against tho Hoii. R. M'Nab. Acceptance of tho roquisitoin is assured. ■ CISBORNE. MR. CARROLL OPENS HIS CAMPAIGN. (BY Tfcl.EGIiAMl—I'U'iKS ASSOCIATION.) Napier, October 26. The Hon. J. Carroll fired tho first shot of his campaign at l'ohni on Saturday night, 110 declared that every effort had been made by the present Administration to equitably advance the interests of all sections of the community. The ship of State had to bo fairly balanced in regard to tho adjustment of tho valuables she carried; to bo lop-sided or too much weighted in any particular was dangerous. Mr. Carroll said he felt that a stage now had been readied when a littlo legislative rest was desirable. Tho coming period should be devoted more to tho administration of those laws which, in response to the wishes of tho people, had been passed. A vote of thanks and confidence was unanimously carried. PROSPECTS OF THE LIBERAL PARTY. STATEMENT BY THE HON J. M'GOWAN. (BY TBLSOUAI'U—I'ItKSS ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, October 26. Speaking to-day of the prospects of tho Liberal party in ounucction with tho coming elections, too Hon, J. il'G-owan, Minister

for Mines, said. 110 was quite confident that tho people were so favourably impressed with tho policy of tho present administration that tho party would bo returned at tho polls without any decreaso in numbers. The next Parliament, ho points out, will naturally contain a number of new members, mid tho fact that there are ten vacancies through retirements, and three now scats to be represented, means that there will bo a considerable change in tho personnel of the House. This afternoon Mr. M'Gowan left for the Thames, where ho will spend tho next few weeks in making a tour of his electorate. THE CASE FOR THE FARMER. FACTS WORTH NOTING. In an admirable spcecli at Marton on Friday, Mr. Edward Nowmnn, ono of tho candidates for tho Mnnawatu seat, put the caso lor the mail on the land with unusual logic and force. Beginning with tho fact that in tho year 1900 tho farmers, flaxmillers, and gum-diggers furnished about 14J millions of tho total exports, which amounted altogther to 17:} millions, lie went on to emphasise tho community of interest as between tho country and tho town. In tho case of tho smaller towns such as Marton, Bulls, and Foxton (ho said) this was evident enough, and it was also the same in the larger towns. Those, who doubted this should ask tho first storekeeper they met. Let wool go up a few penco per lb. or ilax a few pounds a ton, and it would bo at once felt beneficially by the storekeeper. Accounts that wero becoming doubtful wero paid, promissory notes which wero causing anxiety were' met, and the purchasing power of tlio people was at once evident, wliero formerly there was perhaps anxiety and depression. And so tho money was circulated through tho country. All classes of workers on the land, storekeepers, merchants and people who lent money, all had a direct interest in tile prosperity of the man-who farmed the land. Ho wished to inako it quite clear that ho was not depreciating tho importance of other sections of tho community—the man who was not a farmer—but was endeavouring to show whero tho wealth of tlio country came from. If what ho had stated was true —and it could not ho denied—then it would lie expected that legislation would be primarily ill tlio interest of tlio wealth producing industries of tho Dominion—farming, - flax, kauri gum and mines. Further, it would naturally bo expected that every effort would bo mado toincreaso the number of producers, or in other words to complete the settlement of all Crown and Native lands. It would bo expected that taxation on land would bo reduced to a minimum because the producers had to sell their products in competition with tho whole world, and upon their making their business pay depended tlio prosperity of practically tlio whole Dominion. It would also bo expected that they would bo given a secure tenure, tho best tenure that tho mind of man could devise, so that they could finance cheaply, and ono that would encourage them to spend their money and labour and energy and brains in tho development of their land to its highest point of production. They would qxpect that no^effort would be spared to make contented independent men and women secure in tlio knowledge that tho State recognised their worth to tho community. IT,nd° this been fulfilled by. tlio Government? Ho contended it had not, and he would prove it *to them. First, with regard to tenure, would any farmer sav that a leas® with periodical revaluations was tho best tenure that oould bo devised? No! they would not. There was only ono tenure that would satisfy tho free-born settlers of New Zealand, and that was tho freehold. A lease without tho right of purchase discouraged perfect development of tho land. It rendered it difficult, nay, impossible, for producers to finance at lowest rates. A lease with revaluations did-not give them the complete result of their labours, nor did it tend to tho feeling of security and contentment among tho people which was so essential to real progress. THE HAWKE'S SAY SEATS. INTERESTING CONTESTS. (BY TEtiKGUAI'II. —SI'KCIAI, COUU!'S['ON!>KNT.) Napier, October 26. Political events in Hawke's Bay have become imbued with a considerable degree of interest, and exciting contests-aro promised ill tho different electorates. The contest for the Napier seat is an object-lesson in tho effective working of committees, and in this connection Mr. Brown is known as a distinctly fine organiser, and he is meeting with excellent support. Iho embracing of an additional country area in tho electorate should improve Mr. Eraser's chances, but Mr. Brown has made himself exceedingly popular in the town itself, and his recognised business ability carries considerable weight. Ino town majority may possibly put him in. Ihe chances,are that Sir William Russell will win back tho Hawke's Bay seat. His personal popularity is undiminished, and he is faced with tivo supporters of tile Government as opponents. Of these Mr. A. Dillon, tho sitting member, is expected to meet with the greatest amount of favour and may fight tho issue with Sir William Russell on the second ballot. Mr. A. E. Jull is another distinctly strong candidate, who will poll well, especially at tho southern end of the electorate, where ho is closely connected with local bodies. Mr. T. J. Thompson, Mayor of Hastings, is also in tho running. Ho will havo a considerable local following, and also a certain sympathetic temperance and religious support. The two remaining candidates, Messrs. H. Lan Simson and S. Spencer Clapham should not materially affect tho re- I suit.

11l the Waipawa electorate strong efforts are being made to bring out an opponent to Mr. C. Hall, tho sitting member. It is on tho cards that n meeting is to bo. held next week to strongly urgo Mr. George Hunter, who formerly represented the constituency in tho Opposition interest, to consent to nomination. Mr. Hunter was defeated by Mr. Hall at the last election, but • on this occasion ho is considered to have more than a lighting chance. Pastor Ries, Mayor of Dannevirke, has received requests from more than ono quarter to como out, but under present conditions 110 has positively declined. It is not likely that lie will bo prevailed upon to contest the seat with tho sitting member. Owing to tho possibility of no otlier candidate being forthcoming, it is stated that the No-License party intend to nominate the Rov. F. W. Isitt, in order to secure a valid local option poll. THE OTAGO SEATS. PRESENT PROSPECTS. (BY TE LEG HATH. —SrECIAI, COUItKSPONDSNT.* Dunedin, October 26. As to the presont prospects of the Otago seats, I fancy that Mr. Duncan (Government) will beat Mr. Mitchell (Government) for Oaniaru. Mr. Barclay is considered safe for Dunedin North, and tho Hon. J. A. Millar will beat Mr. Monro. ' \ Mr. Arnold will probably be returned for Dunedin West, though Mr. J. M'Donald might liavo given him a good run if lie had taken the field earlier. Air. Sidey nnd Mr. Douglas will liavo a closo fight for Dunedin South, and I fancy that Mr. Sidoy's compact following will puil him through. Mr. T. Mackcnxio has practically a walkover for the Taieri. Mr. James Allen is almost certain to bo returned for Bruce. Mr. JO. G. Allen's experience will probably securo for him another grip of tho Chalmers seat. Tho most open contest, perhaps, is that at Tuapeka, hut 1 think that Dr. Chappie is such' a good platform man that ho will win. These predictions may, of courso, need revision later on. BOUNDARY TROUBLES. SOME SI'F.CIAL PITFALLS. Some special pitfalls into which electors will he liable to fall owing to tho alteration in the boundaries worn pointed out to a representative of Tim Dominion, who looked in upon tho local registrars on Saturday. Between Wellington South and Wellington Central there is a sort of "debatable land" where special confusion i 6 apprehended.

"Every week we receive dozens of claims sent in for ilio wrong electorate,"- said Mr. I'erry, Registrar - for Wellington South, to the reporter. Mr. Perry fears that 011 election day many electors of Wellington South, on their way to. work, will try to rceord their votes at the Skating Kink, which has always been an important voting place, and is now in Wellington Central. Some Wellington Central voters living near Mount Cook are sure, to R" to the Mount Cook School to vote, though that is now in Wellington South. Nairn and Thompson Streets Were formerly in Wellington Central, and their residents could vote in tho Aro. Street schoolroom. Now .Nairn and Thompson Streets aro in Wellington South, and for the convenience of their electors a large 'marquee is being erected for a polling place, opposite tho Wellington Club's bowling green., • Tho fact that a large portion of the old Newtown Electorate is now part of the Suburbs seat may also lead to misunderstanding. The renumbering of tho streets is causing a good deal of trouble to some of the registrars. For instance, tho houses in Arthur Street bearing even numbers- formerly belonged to Wellington South, and the houses I hearing odd numbers were part of Wellington Central. The system ot numbering has now been' revorsed, and as many people will not use the new numbers till _ they have been painted up, the registrar, in receiving claims for enrolment from that street, cannot tell if they, are from the right electorate or not, without entering into special correspondence with each claimant.' At the principal polling booths, where confusion is expected to occur, officers will be stationed on polling clay, whoso main duty will be to direct to nearest proper booth lost sheep who may havo entered the wrong pen. By this means it is hoped that not many votes will be entirely lost, through tho carelessness of voters, but much troublo will lie saved if electors who live in doubtful areas will observe correctly where the boundary lies'before attempting to- record thoir votes! : ' Mr. Hodgkins, Registrar for ■Wellington Central, thinks that most people have nowsolved the confusion of the new boundaries, and it is to bo hoped that lie is not too optimistic. At last election, he states, when people came to the wrong polling booths, they received full directions where to go, arid 110 complaints were made as to deficiency of in-, formation. , RAPID ENROLMENT. NOTES FROM THE REGISTRARS. The Government is not employing canvassers this year to place people on the; rolls, but numerous agents of the No-License and Liquor parties aro working hard to ensure a large enrolment. Their activities were doubled oil the day when; the election date was first announced, and they have riot flagged since. Candidates' friends have also been busy, and the registrars of all the city and suburban electorates have had work cut out checking, recording, and acknowledging the applications for enrolment which are still pouring in in a ceaseless stream. Wellington East. "Wo are working eyes out," said Mr. Sill, registrar for Wellington East, to a pressman, who made a rQund of visits to the registrars on Saturday. .It was 1 o'clock, but Mr. Hill was addressing envelopes while ho spoke, and sternly limiting the time of an assistant's lunch. There was. no half-holiday for registrars of electors on that day. " Yes, continued Mr.. Hillj ".wo. still havo difficulties witii people who" don't" know what, electorate they are in. ,_More pronounced is tho trouble with incomplete, forms;.. come of the canvassers, who should.know.bettor, are not free from blame ill this regard." Supplementary rolls 1 and 2 have been issued for this electorate. "I think the poll will ho much larger here: .than' it was. last year," said Mr. Hill. " Probably there "will be 10,500 names on the final roll."

Wellington Central. "■Eighty new names a.''day is about our. average," said Mr. Hodgkins, registrar for Wellington Central. "A.reaUivo interest is being .shown by tho electors .uow.j'.Vaiid the" supporters of the candidates' hard picking up tho stragglers. ' Probshly there will be 8500 active .voters oil the roll."' Wellington North. .. Over 100 claims for enrolment were received on Friday last by Mr.. A. H. Holmes, Registrar for Wellington North, "and 65 came in on Saturday morning. The final roll is likely to contain 10,500 names. Mr. Holmes was glad to give an instance of tho careful work of the postal ollicials, who have enough to do these times. Ho' makes a point of posting all acknowledgments of claims, for the sake of testing tho address, given. Out of 3057 acknowledgments sent out by him only 20 were returned, with an explanation that tho people to whom they were addressed could not be found, and in several of those cases lie knew personally that tho poople had changed their place of residence, or were temporarily away from home.' Wellington South. In Wellington South keen, interest is being taken in the election, and 150 claims for enrolment were received oil one day. The total number, Mr. Perry estimates, will be about 9000. Every day lie receives dozens of duplicated applications, which shows the determination of many not to miss enrolment by any accident. The rolls are' at the Newtown library, and assistants are at the serviqo of tho public from 9 a.m. till 9 p.m. to see that'names are on the rolls. A largo number of enrolments are made" at. night, through tho .fact of the library being open. The second supplementary roll', of about 1250 names, has now been issued, making 2800 names on these additional rolls, and about 400 applications have since been received. Claims are still coming in at tho rate of 100 and 120 a day, and there is every indication of the rate continuing. There arc still a large number of people not on tho rolls, and though canvassing has been very eager .whole streets have been missed, so far, by .the agents of both parties. ' > Wellington Suburbs. Over 100 names a day is the rate of additions to tho Wellington Suburbs roll. Oil the Monday following the declaration of the date of polling day 200 claims for onrolment wore received. Mr. Salmon, Registrar of Electors, expects that the final roll will contain between 8000 and 9000 names. POINTS FOR ELECTORS. It is not generally known that a voter who moves to another electorate is eligible to vote for that electorate after, only ono month's residence therein prior to tho writs closing, provided that ho was on tho roll of . tho electorate which ho left. If he was not on the roll of tho previous electorate a three months' residence in the new electorate is necessary. If he was on the previous roll, and has not been a month in the new olectorate, he can obtain an absent voter's permit for the electorate lie has left by forwarding a duly-witnessed application to the registrar of that electorate. The application should state address and occupa- ; tion.' Letters addressed to a Registrar of Electors should give tho name of tho electorate as part of the address. Many do not, and it takes so long to sort these out and re- 1 address them properly that there is a 1 possibility of some such letters reaching ' their destinations too lato to be of use. ' Mr. Hodgkins, Registrar of Electors for 1 Wellington Central, states that he receives ( a large number of claims for enrolment ' addressed "Registrar of Electors, Welling- ! ton," which should go to other districts. Country votors especially should note that their applications for enrolment should bo sent to tho registrars of tho electorates to which they belong, and not to tho capital. Recently Mr. Hodgkins received 20 claims from tho Wairarapa, which lie had to readdress, and an application for, an absent voter's permit was sent to him all tho way ? from Awarua, instead of to tho registrar 7 of that olectorate. t a ARE CLAIMS SUPPRESSED? 0 A SERIOUS ALLEGATION. An uncomfortable suspicion has sometimes c bwn expressed tlint tho system of allowing ' electors' names to bo placed on tho roll by canvassers of two extremely, interested a

parties—tho liquor and No-Licenso partiesis not altogether a wiso one. Many canvassers aro extremely curious to elicit the views of persons whom they visit on the liquor question, and it has been hinted that if those views aro found to be strongly- antagonistic to the party which employs thocanvasser, those particular applications foi enrolment may not find their way to tha office of the Registrar of Electors, One of tho local Registrars informed a Dominion representative • that there waa every indication that some claimß were being suppressed in this way. Ho said he did not doubt that there would bo a great number of people who would find that, owing to their carelessness in handing claims to canvassers, they were not on tho roll. Many people came to the office stating, that they had handed applications to canvassers, and it was found that the claims, had not been received. The public had a safeguard in tliia matter, ho explained, which was a very easy one. AVhen an elector signed an application form, he should not give it to tho.canvasser, but should post it himself. Specially addressed envelopes were provided by the Government for this purpose, or an ordinarj envelope could be used, and if it was addressed to a Registrar of Electors tho postage would 1)0 charged to tho Electoral. Department. The canvasser was not supposed to take back tho claim. He could witness it, and tho applicant should then post it back. The registrar suggested that in future legislation it might be well to prohibit canvassers from forwarding claims themselves. It is already a legal offence to suppress a claim. Another trick of canvassers, this registrar stated, was to, ascertain the views of the person visited, and, if they were unfavourable .to tho agent's cause, to telT him that a second canvasser would come round in a-few weeks' time to collect the form, and that he should not give it up until he appeared. Ofteii it might happen that no other canvasser would call, and the would-be voter would retain his application form till it was •too late to be received. Acknowledgments are sent out by registrars of all claims for enrolment received, so that the applicant who does not get an acknowledgment should ascertain if he is really on the roll. In many parts of the city, how. ever, the canvassers of one party aro quick to follow those of the other, and con hardly bo persuaded by electors that their names are actually enrolled. ' It is fair to state that another local registrar expressed, the opinion that'the can< vassing on both sides was being done with perfect fairness, and that all the names were coming forward. Some people had complained to him that they had received no' acknowledgment of . claims sent in, but he had always found that cither they had changed their address in the meantime, and the acknowledgment had failed to find them, or there had been some misunderstanding on their part.