The Star. SATURDAY, MAY 29, 1880. REDISTRIBUTION OF SEATS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 14, 29 May 1880, Page 2

The Star. SATURDAY, MAY 29, 1880. REDISTRIBUTION OF SEATS.

In the Premier's address to his constituents at Leeston, he told his hearers, amongst a great many other things, tnat the Government would introduce a Bill during the ensuing session for a redistribution of seats. It behoves every man in this district, therefore, to have his name placed on the electoral roll at the earliest opportunity, so that, when the redistribution takes place, we shall have our fair proportion of representation. In order to afford all possible facilities to those who are not already on the roll, we have written to Mr. C. E. Rawson, the Electoral Registrar, for some forms, and that gentleman has courteously promised to forward some in a few days. The Act passed last session, for the registration of voters, is the most liberal measure that has yet been passed in New Zealand, the principle of manhood suffrage being recognised for the first time. Any person residing in the colony for twelve months, and in any electoral district for six months, can have his name placed on the roll ; and any person having freehold property in the district, whether encumbered or not, of the value of £25, is entitled to vote. These are the only two qualifications recognised by the Act. Claimants must be twenty-one years of age, and foreigners must be naturalised before they can vote. Natives who are on a ratepayers' roll can also vote at Parliamentary elections. In filling up the forms, claimants should be careful to write their Christian name in full, and to write as plain as they possibly can, so as to avoid mistakes. The place of residence, and the occupation of the claimant, should be stated in the form. We understand that Mr. Rawson, the Electoral Registrar, intends to object to those who are already on the roll, and whose qualification is stated to be either "leasehold" or "household." The reason for doing so is, that only " freehold " and " residential " qualifications are recognised by the Act. But those who may happen to be objected to can forward either " freehold" or " residential" claims instead. We trust that every person in the district, qualified to vote, may be in a position to do so when an election takes place.