CLOSING OF THE ROLLS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17327, 26 November 1919, Page 8

CLOSING OF THE ROLLS

Only three days remain for enrolment, consequently all who are entitled to claim the franchise should assure themselves without delay that their names are on the roll. No more important election has ever been fought in New Zealand than this, and those who fail to get on the roll and record their votes will be singularly lacking in a sense of civic responsibility. The party which aims at profiting by the division of moderate forces will be well organised and will poll practically its full strength. It is incumbent on moderate voters to take equal precautions to secure a fair expression of public opinion. Figures compiled by the New Zealand Welfare League show that the success of Labour at the recent by-elections was far from conclusive owing to the meagreness of the vote. The analysis for all by-elections since 1914 is as follows :—

r. j- n * , 0n roll - Voted. Dunedin Central . . 9,413 7 959 Bay of Islands . . 6,790 5!585 Taumarunui . . . . 9.4JP 7 610 Pahiatua . . . . 5.227 3,197 Hawk©' Bay . . 8,194 4*827 Welhagton North . . 11,188 7'115 Grey 9.249 5,582 Wel.inprton Central 9,180 4,711 Taranaki .. 7,561 5,504 Palmerston North. . 8,990 5 390 Wellington South .. 8.721 4^095 The outstanding feature of this compilation is the indifference of the majority of electors. Interest will naturally be keener when polling is general, but no man or woman* who values good government should trust to others to decide the issues.