THE NEW ELECTORAL ROLL.

Grey River Argus, Volume 21, Issue 3045, 20 May 1878, Page 2

THE NEW ELECTORAL ROLL.

[to the editob.] Sir, — While perusing the published list of objected names as electors on the new roll, 1 noticed a piece of geographical information which, I believe, is not generally known, which is, that the Shetland Islands are not part of the British Empire. In the Hat of objected names is to be found John Geargeson, Totara Flat, household, objection, not naturalised; Now, as Mr Georgeson i 3 a i native of the Shetland Islands it : would be interesting to, know where that gentleman got the information fr )m to object to Mr Gebrgesbn on the plea" that he was not a subject o! the Britiah Empire. It is about time that the past haphazard style of . compiling the Electoral Roil is done away with, and public convenience consulted in the whole matter. ■■•■ Many gross mistakes have occurred in the past in compiling the electoral, roll to my personal knowledge; generally the plan pursued by any one that is appointed to visit a district on behalf of the registration officer is to gather the information over a social glas3, and form the opinion of any chance person about. Mr Editor, another matter I would draw attention to is — it is generally supposed that when a proper qualified person tills up an electoral registration form, and has it attested by an elector on the roll, that nothing further was required to be done towards placing them on the roll ; but it is not so, as a large number that filled in the forms according to rule are objected to as new claims. Now, can it be supposed that all the objected parties will have to go to Greymouth or elsewhere to substantiate their claims, or if they do not do so, will they be struck off the new roll? Those who compile the electoral roll should bear in mind that would-be electors, when hunting for a vote, do not get their travelling expenses paid by the Government. I am, &c, i :. Observer. Half ounce, May 15, 1878,