ELECTORAL REFORM

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 689, 14 June 1929, Page 1

ELECTORAL REFORM

CR. A. BASTEN PROPOSES BOLD SCHEME MODIFIED WARD SYSTEM Another step in the direction of the reform of the present system of municipal elections has been taken. Cr. Alice Basten has given notice that she intends to move at next week’s council meeting that a scheme for the division of Auckland into wards be considered. pR. ELLEN MELVILLE’S notice of motion, published yesterday, will ask the council to affirm the principle of ward divisions and will suggest that the Finance Committee report within three months. Cr. Basten’s proposals are more definite. She will move as follows: “That the question of an amended electoral system put forward by Mr. J. W. Kealy he considered, and if favourably viewed any necessary amending legislation be sought accordingly: (a) Division of the city into, say, nine wards to follow as closely as practicable boundaries of the old constituent districts now comprising the city, each ward to elect one member as ward member for a term of two years; (b) such member to be voted for on a local ballot paper; (c) election of 12 councillors from the whole area as at present, but for a four-year term, half retiring in rotation each two years; (d) such members to be voted for on a general ballot paper.” “The effect of these proposals would be that on the local ballot paper the elector would vote for a member for his ward, and on the general ballot paper after the first election he would vote for six members for the whole area,” Cr. Basten said in explanation. Mr. Kealy, whose plan was outlined to The Sun early this year, and whose scheme is prosecuted by Cr. Basten, was a member of the old council, but was not successful iu the recent elections. Cr. Melville’s notice of motion having been given before Cr. Basten’s will take precedence, and, if carried, will have the effect of quashing her fellow councillor’s motion.