THE ELECTORAL BILL

New Zealand Mail, 27 August 1902, Page 57 (Supplement)

THE ELECTORAL BILL

The report of the Joint Statutes Revision Committee upon the Electoral Bill was submitted to the House of Representatives on the 19th. In the original Bill it was specihed that “candidate” meant “any man who has been, nominated as a candidate for. . . Now it is proposed to make the definition read, “Candidate means any man who lias within three, months immediately before the date of any election publicly declared his intention of being, or who has been, nominated as a candidate for . a seat in the House of Representatives.” The clause which previously allowed a person to be qualified for membership of the House although he had “contracted for advertising by which a sum exceeding fifty pounds is payable, unless the contract is entered into after public tender,” is now to be struck out. It is proposed to amend the exemption in regard to the Cabinet so as to remove the bar to more than nine members. It is proposed that every person who is put on an electoral roll by reason of property qualification shall be so distinguished. The provision for an absolute majority of votes to be cast for a candidate or candidates beelected is retained with inconsequenelected is retainde with inconsequential alterations. A deposit of £2O is required as security before a candidate shall be entitled to a recount of votes; such application must be made to a Stipendiary Magistrate, who shall cause a recount to be made. The Magistrate “may make any such order as to costs of and incidental to- the recount as hct deems just, and, subject to any snch order, shall direct the deposit made under this section to be returned to the person who made the same.” Ihis pro- ! vides.a speedy and inexpensive method of testing an election. Under the old Act it was necessary to proceed by election petition, which involved a deposit of £2CiD. A new clause has been added to the form or claim for enrolment to the following effect:—“l ... do declare . . . that I have resided within the colony of New Zealand for twelve'months, and within the said district for three months immediately preceding the date hereof,” or [if the case require} “1 now reside within the said district, and have resided either within the colony of New Zealand or have rbeen absent therefrom on service in or with the naval or military forces of his Majesty for twelve months immediately preceding the date hereof.” The foregoing provision has been inserted on the solicitation of Major Steward, who pointed out that under the original provisions of the Act young men who had been absent on active service would be disqualified for registration. A commendable feature of the new Bill is* an initial table that has been added by the Crown Law draughtsman to show how each section of the repealed Acts has been disposed of. As a result of this concise compendium the committee was enabled to get through its labours in about half tbe timen that would hay© previously been required.