POLITICAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 62, 27 October 1911, Page 6

POLITICAL.

SECOND BALLOTS. When tlio short Bill was considered validating certain portions of t ie lloprescntalion Conimisionor’s report which arc irregular, the Prime Minister stated in the House on Wednesday that all writs must he returned, including those in respect to second ballots, before December 29th. Under present conditions it did not appear as if the second ballots could lie taken unless they were made returnable very much earlier than December 29th. That, however, would not give sufficient time for members to go over their electorates before the general election. Mr Kordur.ru : You can dissolve Parliament any time you like after we rise. Sir Joseph Ward: But I don’t know when wo arc going to rise. 1 thought it was • possible, but we do not seem to bo able to wind up by next Saturday. Mr Hiue: Rubbish! ' Sir Joseph Ward: Your capacity for appreciation would turn anything into luobish, There are some Bills affecting the hon. gentleman* s constituents which lie plight call rubbish, but which In’s constituents would regard as highly important. That sort of interjection is one of the customary things one gets from the dust-heap. The question of time allowed for the second ballot had been under consideration, and it might lie necessary for the House to legislate on the matter. He had an amendment prepared, asking the House to reduce the period for the second ballot, and take them all on the same day, even in the eight or nine country electorates where fourteen days arc allowed. Mi) l -Massey: A very good thing if it can be done. Sir Joseph replied that it could be done if necessary, and be would bold back the Legislature Amendment Bill so that the amendment could be introduced if necessary. The Bill was read a second time.