THE REPORT OF THE CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT COMMITTEE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume III, Issue 254, 29 May 1882, Page 3

THE REPORT OF THE CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT COMMITTEE.

[united press association.] WELLINGTON, May 27. I am directed to report by the above committee that, in reference to the penalties under " The Corntpt Practices Act,- 1881," ;for illegal practices, your committee consider that, iuasmnch as the judges have do discretionary power, and the whole of the ' penalties iv case a candidate be found guilty of an nlleged practice must be imposed, notwithstanding that strong mitigating circumstances may appear. Tour committee consider fluoh penalties may in certain cases prove too severe, and would recommend that , the Aot should be amended so as to enables the judges trying a case to impose upon any candidate part of tho penalties created by sections 17 and 18 as in their discretion the circumstances of tho case shall call for; that the above provision should apply to other persons than candidates; and that the judges hearing the petition and finding that an illegal practice has been committed may impose all or any of the penalties' therein detailed . either upon the candidate or other persons found guilty of having committed such illegal practice, and thoreupon no further prooeedmgs shall be taken against such persons for any charge for which ho shall nave been already so punished. — 11. Wynn Williams, chairman.