ELECTORAL REFORMS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10731, 20 February 1897, Page 6

ELECTORAL REFORMS.

j (From Ona Own Corrspnedeont.)

Auckland, February 19.

I A meeting was held under the auspices of the j Auckland. Temperance and Political League to I consider suggested political reforms. Mr E. Withy opened the discussion. He thought; prohibitionists should not enter into general politics; they should stand to prohibition alone. At the same time they should do something in the direction of removing obstructions out of the way of the great reform. He thought the time had come when some system of electoral rights should be adopted,' as ifc would lessen the risk of personating and double votin°tie also thought the appointment of returning officers, poll clerks, &c, should not be in the hands of the Goverument of the day. The appointments might be made by Supreme Court judges, and it would be well if they also nominated stipendiary magistrates and justices ot the peace. Mr A. Rosser, the next speaker, strongly advocated the elective Executive system. Mr J. Gordon, pointed out the evils that would in his opinion arise in connection with an elective Executive, and contended that it was a mistake to return men of only one idea, such as prohibitionists. Whafc they wanted was good all-round men Mr Hamilton also .igread that the proposals were too tar advanced, He saw no hope of doing away with party government. After the Rev. S. Laurie and Mr Hazelden had spoken in favour of an elective Executive and of the ! present system of party government, resolutions were adopted m favour of a Corrupt Practices Act applying to both local and general elections, and also of the issuing of electors' rights