THE NEWTOWN LICENSING POLL DUTIES OF RETURNING OFFICERS.

Evening Post, Volume LXVIII, Issue 49, 26 August 1904, Page 5

THE NEWTOWN LICENSING POLL DUTIES OF RETURNING OFFICERS.

Yesterday the House received tho report of the Public Petitions Committee on a Wellington petition asking for an enquiry into tho alleged irregularities of the Newtown licensing poll. In its report the Committee states that tho exhaustive evidence it took gave strong reason to beliove that tho present irregular system of delivery of baUoL-boxes to de-puty-returning oliiccrs is unsatisfactory, and gives opportunity to tamper with ballot-papens. Tho Committee finds that tho Brooklyn baHot-papers wero repeatedly counted with great caro, aud yet "a serious and almost unaccountable difference was discovered at tho official recount some days later." Accordingly, the Committeo recommends tlio exorcise of greater fiaxo by returning officers, and, in particular, that the keys of ballot-boxes should never bo left exposed or sent out attached to ballot-boxes without being fixed in sealed packages. It also recommends tho Government to furnish returning officers and thoir deputies with printed instructions. Tho evidence showed that in somo places returning officers were unable to obtain the services of suitable and competent men employod in the public and municipal offices, owing to thoir being engaged. Tho Committee thinks strongly that this rentriction on tho choko of suitable officials by returning officers should be removed. In conclusion tho Committee says that if its recommendations are given effect to, and reasonable core exercised in the selection of officials for this important work, greater confidence in tho conduct of elections and polls will bo secured.

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