YEAR OF ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20779, 23 January 1931, Page 13

YEAR OF ELECTIONS.

CIVIC AND PARLIAMENTARY.

NUMEROUS ISSUES FOR VOTERS.

MANY POLLS IN AUCKLAND. The right to vote will be freely exercised this year because of the circumstance, recurrent every sixth year, whereby the Parliamentary and municipal elections occur within the same span of 12 months.

The term "municipal elections" covers a multitude of local bodies in Auckland. Apart from tho elections of Mayors and councils in the city and suburban boroughs, there will also be polls in connection with tho Auckland Hospital Board, the Auckland Harbour Board and the Auckland Transport Board. The last-named body, which has been functioning as a nominated board since its inception two years ago, will bo elected by popular vote this year. The municipal and allied elections will take place on May 6. Tho city's district electors' roll is now being revised and will shortly be placed in the printers' hands. Those not enrolled will have tho opportunity until April 7 of applying for the inclusion of their names in the supplementary roll. As the Mayor of Auckland, Mr. G. Baildon, will retire this year after six years in office, the city will require to find a successor to him. Mr. G. W. Hutchison is the only candidate yet definitely announced. Although there are only 21 vacancies on the City Council, nominations at the last two elections have numbered about 60, making the counting of votes a lengthy' process. Tho fact that the Transport Board election will also be held this year will considerably add to the work to be performed by Mr. P. F. Notley, tho city returning officer, and his staff.

Normally tho Parliamentary election will take place in November, but it is possible, in view of tho delicately balanced political situation, that an appeal may bo made to the country slightly before the usual date. However, until Parliament meets in final session, no reliable indication of the prospective date of the general election is likely to be given. All the parties are busily engaged in completing preparations for the selection of candidates, and announcements as to standard-bearers have been made from many electorates during tho past three months.