The Electoral Bill.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XVII, Issue 5316, 2 July 1892, Page 3

The Electoral Bill.

(by telegraph. ) (FROM OCR OWK CORRESPONDENT.) Wellington, July 1. The first business on re-assembling at 7.30 was the second reading of the Electoral Bill which the Premier moved in a succinct and temperate address of ten minutes' duration. He 'pointed out the leading feature of the measure, especially the female franchise, and was warmly applauded on finishing. Mr Rolleston (the leader of the Opposition delivered a carefully-prepared address, expressing general approval of the measure, which he praised as an excellent piece of consolidating legislation, but vigorously opposing the female franchise clauses, he spoke in favor of the representation of minorities in some way, such as giving only votes two to each elector in triple electorates. He offered criticism on some details of the measure. He was followed by Messrs Fish, Scobie Mackenzie, and Duthie, who echoed the sentiments of their chief.

Mr Fish, in his new Conservative zeal, expressed warm approval of the retention of the freehold qualification, and objected to registration on one month's residence. Mr Taylor came to the rescue of the Government, and, after expressing general approval of the Bill, contended for votes being given to recipients of charitable aid. These were the people most requiring representation the poor and needy. The derisive laughter from the Oppositionists that greeted this statement roused Mr Taylor to warn them that the poor and needy already had votes, as shown by the return of three or four gentlemen, indicating the labor members, amid renewed laughter. The Opposition criticism was resumed by Mr T. Mackenzie, who spoke vigorously and well. His bogey is the marking and numbering of ballot papers, and he intends moving an amendment with the object of securing full secrecy. He created some sensation by alleging that the Returning Officer at the Bruce election, immediately the election was over, on the plea of economy, but really, in the opinion of the speaker, because he had great indiscretion, expressed an opinion in favor of Mr Allen. Mr M'lntosh spoke against the Bill, but his address was like those of some others on the same side. It was more directed against the Representation Bill than the measure before the House. Mr M'Lean followed in an effective speech, making a warm plea for women's rights.

Mr Hogg, who had for some time been trying to catch the Speaker's eye, gave a powerful address in favor of the Bill. Referring to Mr Rolleston's suggestion for an elective Upper House, Mr Hogg declared that the question that must soon engasre their attention was not the constitution of that Chamber but its very existence.

Sir John Hall rose to a point of order, and the Speaker prevented Mr Hogg from launching out in a diatribe against " another place." Mr T. Mackenzie having interjected re some remark made by Mr Hogg, the word "gerrymandering," Mr Hogg said he would soon show that the "gerrymandering " was on the other side of the House. He quoted Hansard in order to prove that when a division had been token on the four combined city electorates these were retained by the Conservative vote, including that of Mr T. Mackenvie, but since it was found that these constituencies returned Liberal members the Oppositionists had found that they had made a mistake. This turned the laugh, and there was no more talk of '' gerrymandering." S.r John Hall next took up the parable, and, like Mr Rolleston and others, made a pathetic appeal for the representation of minorities.

Mr Saunders followed in an able and thoughtful address which lasted till 10.30. On resuming at 11 o'clock Mr Shera delivered a brief oration in favor of the Bill, after which Mr Buckland took up the running and started by 'making an attack on Mr M'Lean, whom he described as " a wonderful specimen of humanity." The Speaker interposed his authority and confined Mr Buckland to the subject under discussion. The debate was carried on by Messrs Camcross, Moore, Seddon, and E. M. Smith. The latter wants a clause added to the Bill authorising the payment of candir dates' election expenses ; also that better facilities be given for election petitions. "Fancy having to lodge L 200," he exclaimed, adding "Where am I going to get it ?" After midnight Mr Sandford. rose and delivered himself of a telling criticism of the Opposition speeches, particularly pressing home the change of " front" on the part of the leading Oppositionists regarding the triple electorates, Mr Allen replied to him, aud cordially admitted that he had altered his views with regard to triple electorates, partly because of the added expense to candidates and partly because of the result of the general election. A quarter to one found Mr Earnsliaw on his legs, calmly but keenly arguing the question of the representation of minorities, and tackling the leader of the Opposition.

The benches were neatly deserted, and there was little interest in the debate, ifc being a foregone conclusion that the second reading would be carried. Five minutes past 1 brought Mr Buick to the perpendicular, and for half an hour he spoke in a careful, reasoning style, supporting the Bill generally, but objecting to the holiday on polling day. He strongly opposed the freehold qualification, and defended the one month's residence in a district as sufficient, with a safeguard of a year's residence in the colony, Messrs Pinkerton, T. Thompson, and Houston gave brief addresses in favor of the Bill, after whom came Mr James Kelly, with still warmer approval, but certain suggestions of amendment to the measure. Captain Russell, who had just entered the Chamber, started at 1.40, and kept up a brisk criticism and comment for nearly 20 minutes. Mr W. Kelly joined in the chorus, chiefly in commendation of the measure. At 2 a.m. Mr Ballance rose to reply. His speech was able and incisive, dealing effectively with the various objections and amendments. He closed afc half-past 2.

The question of the second reading was put and carried on the voices, and the House adjourned till Tuesday.