LOCAL ELECTIONS.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18622, 28 April 1932, Page 8

LOCAL ELECTIONS.

DEFAULTING RATEPAYERS. PROVISION FOR VOTING. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) V. WELLINGTON, Wednesday. T The Local Elections and Polls j Amendment Bill was introduced in the House of Representatives this evening. Moving the second reading, the Hon. A. Hamilton, Minister of Internal Affairs, said the Bill permitted ratepayers who were not more than two years in arrears with rates to nominate, or be nominated, or to vote in connection with county elections. Nominations for county elections had closed at noon to-day, but the Bill dated back to April 1, and consequently counties would be able to act in accordance with the amendment, if passed. The Bill was put through all stages and passed. Amendment Bill postponing next month’s elections in the case of the Matakaoa County Council, made a suggestion that the Minister of Nativo * affairs, Sir Apirana Ngata, w’as not agile in the payment of his rates. Mr Williams said the council had lost £24,000 in native rates since the inception 12 years ago. It was not always inabilty, but disinclination to pay. “I am sorry the Native Minister Is not so agile in paying his rates as others,” said Mr Williams. "Members: Oh I The Speaker: Is the hon. member referring to the Minister personally? Mr Williams: Yes. As a Maori, one does not blame him for not paying his rates, but as a responsible— At that stage the Speaker called Mr Williams to order, stating he could not see w-hat native rates had to do with the clause in the bill postponing the county election. Sir Apirana Ngata said regarding some of the blocks in the Matakaoa county, he acknowledged himself a defaulter. Mr R. Semple (Labour —Wellington East) : Why? Sir Apirana: Inability to keep uj. with ' The Minister did not finish this sentence, but went on to say that apparently members did not realise the difficulties of the Maori settlers so situated. The district had had two dry spells, which made it difficult to do more than maintain the people wha worked on those blocks. PENSION CUTS. PROVISIONS OF BILL. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WE L LIN GTO N, Wednesday. In the House of Representatives to-day the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. G. W. Forbes, said provision was made in the National Expenditure Adjustment Bill for a reduction in the rate of pensions to operate as from April 1, and it was intended to apply this provision to all pensions affected under the bill. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr H. E. Holland: It is not yet law. Mr Forbes said it would have been a greater hardship to pay the pension instalments due on May i (which were payable on April 23) at the old rate and then make a double deduction on the next pensions pay day. I