N.Z. Alliance Wants Ballot Paper Altered

Chronicle (Levin), 22 July 1949, Page 5

N.Z. Alliance Wants Ballot Paper Altered

Press Associatioiz)

(Per

WELLINGTON, July 21. The New Zealand Alliance, at its annual meeting, decided to press for changes in the ballot paper system on the restoratipn issues. It was contended that confusiou among voters was caused by the manner in whieh the ballot papers were framed for the special polls held in three no-licence areas concuiv rent with the referendum on hotei hours. A report to the Alliance drew attfintion to the large number Of informal votes at .the special polls. At Ashburton they represented 20.2 per cent. on restoration and 3.9 per cent. on trust control. At Geraldine 25.5 per cent. on restoration. In the . King Country 5.3 per cent. on the licence issue and 10 per cent. on the trust issue before the ; Maoris and 21.39 per cent. and 5.35 pei cent. among the Europeans in that district. "In'addition to 1165 informal votes on the licensing issue in Ashburton and 2048 informal votes on the same issue in the King Country, it is said in Ashburton -that the people elaim they thought thaf by voting against trust control they automatically had voted against restoration," the report said. i As, the outcome of this report and the ' number of proposed resolutions, the Alliance decided to reaifirm its urgent request to the Prime Minister to reintroduce the original two issue ballot paper for no-licence areas in the next poll. It was decided 'also that no vote on the possible form of control, should be taken in no-licence districts until after restoration had been' carried. The produetiou of unfermented wine and health driuks is.to be eneouraged by the Alliance. It approved a remit urging the Government to arrange that. the Agricultural Department use part of Te Kauwhata for the production of unfermented vvines knd that .research and experiments be, carried out in conjiincHon with the' Health Departmern, on tHe production bf 'heajth' drinks From fruits, , herbs 'arid plant life in New Zealand. Offieers eleeted were: — ^President: Rev. W. A. Burley; deputy-chairman, Dr. E. N. Merrington; executive, Lieut-Colonel Grav, Major E. Bansom, Dr. E. N. Merrington, Slevf. E. N. Goring, G. H. Gdqdman, F. W. Winton, Messrs F. C. Spratt, C. R. Edmond, H. Grinstead, A. Gerrie, II. Stoekbridge, | Mesdames L. F. Sired, L. A. Johnston,' P. J. T. Grigg, A. Thompson, M. J. Williamson, L. M. Brewer, Miss C. E. I Kirk; treasurer, Mr A. Gerrie, I