SEAMEN'S VOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15750, 27 October 1914, Page 4

SEAMEN'S VOTES.

Sir,My remarks on the Seamen's Voting Amendment Bill havo been criticised by Mr. J. K. Kneen. I am sorry that my friend. Mr. Kneen, introduced personalities into his statement. 1 can assure him that 1 have too much respect fur him and (lis opinions to class him as an agitator, nor did 1 in any way allude to him or Mr. Poole. 1 used the remark to illus- : trate what as possible under the present faulty system. 1 have no wish to disenfranchise the seamen. I want them to have the fullest political rights, but under I the present Ait they c.mld under an organisation defeat the choice of any city electorate, in the Dominion. I trust the House will pass an amendment in the best interests of all concerned. 1 have no hesitation in saying that the seamen's votes have been largely used in the same manner I have described. Clause 87 of the Legislature Act reads:-—" With respect to every seaman the following provision shall apply: (a) For the purpose of acquiring the qualification as an elector he shall be deemed to reside in New Zealand during the time lie is engaged in anv ship owned or registered in .New Zealand, (b) Every seaman qualified to be enrolled in any electoral district may be enrolled in the district, comprising any port where the ship in which he is engaged usually calls, provided that when such port is comprised in more electoral districts than one ho may bo enrolled in such one of the electoral districts as is mentioned for the claim for enrolment." Note: There is no further qualification, not even that of nationality, thus making it possible, for a seaman to ship in an Australian or foreign port on a New Zealand registered vessel, and have, the privilege of voting for a member of Parliament, for a. district in which he has not the slightest interest. Mr. Kneen asked me to explain whv a. certain master in my firm's emplov chose to record his vote at the last election in Auckland West. '1 he explanation is that the imperfect Act made it possible, and I think ho will agree with me that an amendment is necessary. In conclusion I would be quite willing to convey to the Minister in charge of the Bill (who, notwithstanding; the imputation cast upon him by Mr. Kneen. lias only the interest of the people, at heart! any 'suggestion he may make, likely to improve the Bill in the interest of the seamen, if the effect would make it a. workable measure, and J hope that though we may bo politically opposed it will not destroy' the friendship that, has hitherto existed between us. j •J. H. BUADXEY.