'Maoris Playing With Double – Headed Penny''

Northern Advocate, 30 November 1948, Page 8

'Maoris Playing With Double - Headed Penny''

WELLINGTON, Tue. (Sp).—Objections to half-caste Maoris being allowed to vote as Maoris at one election and as Europeans at another were expressed by the Opposition when the Electoral Amendment Bill was read a second time in the House of Representatives shortly before midnight last night. It was stated that a half-caste could, for instance, shift from the Western Maori electorate to vote as a European in the Raglan electorate, where his vote might be vital. ?

Mr G. H. Mackley (O —Wairarapa) said the Maori was playing with a double-headed penny. He had had that privilege in the past and there was grave suspicion as to how he had used it.

He should be. called upon to make his declaration as to how he was going to vote for all time, and should be in the same position as any European or qualified alien.

It should be one thing or the other. Mr Mackley added that the Act should be framed to compel an elector to vote in the district in which his family resided. I Members knew the trouble that had arisen at Raglan as a result of men living in Auckland and working in the Raglan electorate and voting there. It had been suggested that important work was to be undertaken on the Rimutaka tunnel.

“I do not care if the Government fills Featherston camp with thousands of men,” said Mr Mackley, “but it is not right that the temporary residents should be allowed to vote away from their regular place of residence. Of course, I am only using it as an illustration.

Mr R. McDonald (G.-Ponsonby): You have the wind up. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Holland) said an important principle was involved and the bill should not go through until it ■ had had further consideration.

The bill was in committee when the House adjourned.