KOWAI ROAD DISTRICT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5919, 14 February 1880, Page 5

KOWAI ROAD DISTRICT.

TO THE EDITOE. Sib,—As I was present in the Amberley Court when the recent enquiry was made into the legality or otherwise of the late election, I may be able to enlighten “ Ratepayer,” whose letter appeared in your issue of yesterday, as to the reason of the Returning Officer using more than one roil. The evidence showed that the “ dignitary” at Amberley found out that the wrong roll was being used, in consequence of one or more ratepayers who applied to vote not being on the list. On finding this out, the deputy sent to the Returning Officer at Balcairn, apprising him of it, and asking for instructions. He also, it appears, told tho candidates who came into his booth, Mr Ensor amongst them. Dr Morris, the Returning Officer, decided at once to refuse no votes, and sent copies of the roll that should have been used to tho other booths. I did not hear anything stated in Court that could possibly connect Mr Ensor with the Returning Officer’s action. I agree with “Ratepayer” that we should hear the views of the candidates, more especially the new ones. Wo have an idea of the old members’ opinions, I should like to stir the Board up about dog collars. Why have their collectors got none ?

i hear that a firm in Amberley has been appointed to take rates. Might I suggest that this end of the district is also entitled to a similar privilege. I suppose wo cannot vote without our rates are paid at the forthcoming election. Can you, Mr Editor, inform me if two or more partners can each vote ? This Local Election, Eating and the Eoad Board Acts, teem to take a lot of understanding.—l am, &c.. Ashley. E.