MUNICIPAL ROLLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15658, 11 July 1914, Page 11

MUNICIPAL ROLLS.

METHODS OF COMPILATION.

[BT TELEGRAPH.— CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington, Friday. A report from the returning officer, Mr. James, on the subject of the compilation of electoral rolls was laid before the City Council last night and it was decided to forward the suggestions contained in the report to the Municipal Conference for consideration. " Since the election of Mayor in April," Mr. James stated, "I have given some consideration to the question of the completion of the municipal roll. I think the present system of enrolment could bo very much improved. Tlio present practice of banding out thousands of forms to irresponsible persons is, to my mind, a very great mistake and should be discontinued, as 50 per cent, of the forms never come back. It is not only costly, but in numbers of cases forms filled up at street corners, are full of errors. I would suggest that the municipal roll should be prepared somewhat on the census principle. Tlie council should set up a department, to be called tho electoral department. An electoral officer should bo appointed and placed in charge of the rolls and be responsible for samo. Tho city should be divided into blocks,' and a responsible man should be appointed to distribute forms of enrolment at each house. Later, he should call back and see that they are properly filled up, collect same, and forward them to the electoral officer. The council may be under tho impression that the proposal will be cortlj, but I think it will cost less than the present system and I am sure will bo a much more correct roll. .