THE COLONIST PUBLISHED DAILY-MORNING. Nelson Saturday ,June 27,1891. ELECTORAL QUALIFICATIONS.

Colonist, Volume XXXIV, Issue 7049, 27 June 1891, Page 3

THE COLONIST PUBLISHED DAILY-MORNING. Nelson Saturday ,June 27,1891. ELECTORAL QUALIFICATIONS.

Political rest is, and must always be, unknown in a free country. Some alteration of the law to bring it into accord with the latest tone of opinion ; some new safeguard oi electoral purity, shown to be needed by the tricks, evasions, and malpractices of the foes of righteous dealing ; more frequently, some fancied, but ill-founded objection to an existing state of things, will constantly develop, and thus make it impossible to maintain unchanged what was once thought to be perfection. So it is, that as soon as an election is over Ministers who observe the signs of the times apply themselves to effecting the reforms that have been shown to be desirable. Thus one of the latest advances made in the direction of extending and securing popular rights, trying honestly to ensure equal representation and nothing more, was Sir George Grey's clause embodying what is known as the " One man, one vote" principle. Great as the advance was, it was no sooner brought into operation than practical proof was given that further restriction was needed. In a certain district votes were concentrated on a particular candidate with such effect, that, while his return was secured, others of the same way of thinking, who might in the ordinary and fair way of dealing have been elected, were left out in the cold. The too clever plotters brought a fitting punishment on their own party, but satisfactory as that was, it showed an unsuspected defect that must forthwith be repaired. In the Electoral Bill, now before the House, and which is intended as a consolidation of the law on these matters, this is the first imperfection sought to be made good. Clause 6 defines the qualifications of electors, first as respects the freehold, second as respects the residential. The owner of a freehold estate, who is twenty-one, the estate being of the value of £25, and whether subject to incumbrances or not, has a right to vote if he has been entitled to the estate six months before registration. So also every person of twenty-one, who has resided one year in the Colony, and one month before registration in the electoral district for which he claims he is entitled to vote. In neither ■ case is he to be already registered in the same or any other district. Then it is provided, that no person shall be entitled to be registered on more than one electoral roll within the Colony, whatever the number or nature of qualifications he may possess, or wherever they may be. Now, with these very striet limitations, it may well be asked, why any other qualification than the residential should be continued? It is clear enough that a eecond vote can in no case be acquired, if these provisions are carried. While as for any sentiment in the matter, that would never be thought of, if the addition to political strength in some form is no longer possible. " One man, one vote" is announced to be the policy of the Victorian Government, and others will speedily follow the example. ! The difference from the - proposal Of OUT Government is a mere question of form. The principle first legalised in our own Parliament on the motion of Sir George Grey commands i the approval of the people every where; and its bold adoption is the natural' and proper course to take," without appearing to make a concession, which disappears on examination. That the virtual reduction of qualifications to one will alone satisfy the ; people's friends would go far to settle the matter, but when it is seen^ that no; ;sound and defensible system of representation can otherwise be laid down, 4 ;cb^ention yßhould^ceasei Hedged' round; with ■ theyrestrlctibns propopedy can it ba w/orth; maintaining such a sham, aa thte freehold Qualification ? Anl estate of * the value 61 y£2s^ ' 'whether subjeotj to ; ihcumhrances or ! not" -is surely too shadowy to be worth fighting for; Let us come at once- to i the 1 simple and intelligible { rule ol V One man* one vote." , y

Social and- Sam op Wobk.— The ladies belonging to the Congregational Church Sewing Society are completing the necessary arrangements for the social and sale of work which is to be held on Tuesday next. The sale of Work will be open from three to five in the afternoon, and in the evening there will be a social gathering, when the programme will include music, readings, etc. No charge will be made for admission. Masonic Ball —We hear that arrangements are being made for. holding the annual Masonic ball some time next month. Sigley's Hall.— To-morrow evening Mr Ei Lewis will preach at Sigley's Hall when his subject will be " The story of Creation." Hops and Malt.— The ' Australasian ' of June 6th reports : — " Colonial malt is slightly firmer at up to 4s 10§d for small parcels. Hops are qui9t, the demand being satisfied for the present. With regard to the London market in - h.-ipg Messrs Woolloton report under date Ap, a 20 " that business is somewhat oheokei by the enhanced rates now generally demanded, and Which boyeiS B3 a rula only concede when they are aotually obliged to purchase for prompt requirements, and this keeps the trade of quite a retail character." ..'."' Tbimti Pbesbvtebian Chubch.— The Bev Alex, Beattie will conduct the services at this Ohuroh to-morrow. - Congbegatiqnat. Church.— We are glad to notice that the Bev W. A. Evans has suftr oiently recovered from his recent indisposition to be able to conduct the services at this Church to-morrow; In the morning the subject of his discourse will be " Light," and in the evening " The beginning of wisdom." Supbemk Court.— The circuit sittings of the Supreme Court will open on Wednesday next. On this occasion the calendar will include a charge of stealing a ram, the accused .being a Collingwood resident, and a charge of stealing wool, the accused in the latter oase having only been committed yesterday. Football.— Two interesting Cap fixtures are to oome off this afternoon ■in the Park, when the competing teams will be the senior arid junior teams of the Albion and Albert Clubs. The former Club oarried off the caps last year, and the Alberts are considerable stronger than what they were last season, so a hard game is expected to-day, and there will no doubt be a large attendance of onlookers: t, St John's Wesleyan Chtjbch. — The services at this Church to-morrow will be eonducted by the Rev F. W. Isitt. Albion Football Club. — The following paragraph has been supplied as :— A speoial meeting of the Albion Football Club was held at the Trafalgar Hotel last evening to disouss the refusal of the Alberts to postpone to-day's match/after the Albions had written to them to do soon aooount of a bereavement in the family of their oaptain. After oonsiderable consideration it was resolved, on a small majority, to play the matoh, the Albions being very sorry to. have to play. The following were chosen to represent the Club :— Ingham, Blinooe, Gibbs, Harris, Woodward f 2), Carter, Snow, McArtney, Whiting, Davis, Busoh, Hale, Clouston, Fairey (2), OJapham, Gay, Dee, Anslow, Watson, Menary, Grant, Percival, McGoncbie, Tibbie, Webley, Cooper, Brimmer, and De Antro.