THE ELECTIONS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15972, 14 November 1919, Page 9

THE ELECTIONS.

ILLEGAL PRACTICES DEFINED. HEAVY PENALTIES AND DISQUALIFICATION. The fact that Parliament, in order to limit expenditure on election campaigns, has imposed severe penalties for certain practices appears to have been overlooked in connection with the present campaign. It seems expedient, therefore, to direct public attention to the clauses relating to corrupt and illegal practices, as defined in “The Legislature Act, 1908.” This Act prohibits: 1. The employment of paid committeemen or canvassers. 2. Payment for the conveyance of electors to or from the poll. 3. Any payment or contract for payment (a) For bands, torches, flags, banners, cockades, ribbons, or other marks of distinction. (b) For exhibiting bills, addresses, or notices, or for the use of any house, building, erection, place board or thing for the purpose of any such exhibition. Every person who makes any payment or contract for payment in breach of this section, either before, during or after an election, commits an illegal practice, and any person being a party to any such contract, or receiving such payment, also commits an illegal practice. Clause 223 prohibits payments being made in respect of the conduct of an election “by any agent on behalf of the candidate, or by any other person, at any time, whether before, during or after the election. . .All money provided by any person other than the candidate for any expenses incurred, whether as gift, loan, or deposit, shall be paid to or on the order of the candidate, and not otherwise.” The penalties are very severe. For a corrupt practice a. fine not exceeding £SOO, and for an illegal practice, £IOO. In addition, an Election Court may order that the person so convicted shall for the period of three years be incapable of voting at any election for any public office; also from holding any public or judicial office. The person adjudged guilty of any corrupt or illegal practice may also be ordered to pay the cost of the prosecution. Proceedings may be initiated by any person who voted, or had a right to vote at the election, or by any candidate.