NEGLECTED ELLESMERE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 9489, 11 August 1891, Page 6

NEGLECTED ELLESMERE.

TO THS EDITOR. Sir, — I see by your Parliamentary reports that Sir John Hall has, to use an Americanism, been “ raising Cain ” over the appointment of a registrar of electors for this district. The implication is, reward to a political supporter. Now, Sir, I think if the circumstances were inquired into, it would appear more like buying off a political opponent. Thus, the late registrar for Ellesmere was one of Sir John Hall’s most uncompromising supporters—a true-blue Conservative. Well, tho Liberal Government,instead of sending him to grass, as they could have done, promoted him to a snug billet in Wellington; and in filling the vacancy the Government hit ou Mr Esst as one with previous experience as a registrar of electors. It would have been quite as well if the Government had given the appointment to some person living in the district, on the principle of giving “our fish guts to our own sea-gulls.” The question is, Is the convenience of the electors of Ellesmere sacrificed by the registrar living outside of the district? I think not, because claims to vote are carried free by post, and under police scrutiny the roll will be more likely correct than if the registrar trusted to his own knowledge of the’ claimants. Hoping for further enlightenment on this subject —I am, &c.. JOHN M‘LACHLAN.« Bogside, August 10.