NO PREFERENTIAL VOTING

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 286, 30 August 1935, Page 8

NO PREFERENTIAL VOTING

Statement by Mr. Forbes OLD SYSTEM FOR GENERAL ELECTION A further and more definite statement was made by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, yesterday, on the question of electoral reform. He said emphatically that there would be no amendment to provide for a system of preferential voting at the next general election. There was no intention on the part of the Government to make any major alteration in the existing voting system. “It would be a most improper thing to do on the eve of the election.” continued Mr. Forbes, “as it would mean that the people would be called upon to vote under a system with which they were not acquainted.”

The Prime Minister added: “We are a sporting people in New Zealand, and as far as the Government is concerned we are prepared to ask for the verdict of the electors under the system which has stood for so many years. We do not propose to alter the rules of the game at the last moment. It would mean that the election would be fought on that issue, and the comment would be that it was done to help the Government cause.

“If the next Parliament decides to make any alteration, that is ‘up to’ them, after careful consideration has been given to the question. We could not possibly tlo it this year, as the various systems need too much investigation, ami the people would have to thoroughly understand the system under which they have to record their votes."