House of Representatives.

Feilding Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 49, 20 September 1905, Page 3

House of Representatives.

The House met at 2.80. Several petitions were presented praying for the abolition of the total isator. Mr Seddon gave notice to move that for the remainder of the session the House meet at 7.80 p.m. on Mondays. The Electoral Bill was further considered in committee. Clause 151, the first of a series dealing with offences of electors, led to considerable discussion. Mr Davey moved an amendment vritn the dtffoct of making it unlawful for any person to send out mock ballot papers at any time (instead of on the day of the poll, as provided by the clause.) This was lost by 45 to 10. In committee on the Electoral Bill Mr Moss moved an amendment in clause 151, to provide that the restrictions against the distribution of 'mock ballot papers should only apply to the day of the poll, instead of " at any time during the three days immediately preceding the poll." After discussion, the amendment was negatived by 88 to 25. Sir J. G. Ward moved an amendment in the clause, the effect of which was to limit the operation of the clause to mock ballot papers alone. The proposal was adopted on the voices. , Mr Harding moved a new sub* clause to make it illegal to deliver to any person (not being the returning officer) on the day of the poll, or during the preceding three years, any "memo" telegram bearing on the election. Sir J. G. Ward said a proposal of this kind should be moved in the Electric Lines Act. After considerable discussion, Mr Harding's motion was negatived by 40 votes to 24. Mr Majot moved a new sub clause to provide that every person is liable to a fine not exceeding £20 who at any election " publishes in any newspaper i3sued on the day of the election* any comment on any candidate, unlese the same appears as a ' leader,* or is signed by the writer thereof." This was lost on the voices, and clause 151 was agreed to. At clause 174, " Maori representation,"— Mr Harding moved that the number of Maori members be reduced from four to three. This Day. After the Telegraph Office closed the Electoral Bill was further considered in committee. At clause 179, Mr Massey moved to report progress. The motion was lost by 26 to 14. Clauses up to 187 were passed, and Sir Joseph Ward then agreed to report progress. The House rose at 8.45 a.m.