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Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2116, 16 February 1870, Page 2

The period annually allotted for tlic registration of the names of those entitled to he placed on the electoral roll has again come round, and is rapidly passing away. The importance of securing a full and perfect registration of electors is at any time generally acknowledged, but at no previous time has it been so essential to the wellbeing of this Province as it is now. The °next session of the General Assembly will be the last previous to a dissolution, and consequently a general election. If this were the only reason that could be advanced in favor of ac-

tive steps being token to secure every qualified person in Otago being placed on the roll, it should be sufficient to induce all who feel interested in the future of the Colony to bestir themselves in the matter. But there arc many others of no less importance. It will scarcely be questioned that Otago is not at present fairly represented in the New Zealand Parliament. No less than four members sent from this Province have ceased to bo commercially identified with it, having removed to Auckland, which place they—some of them at least—now appear desirous of aggrandising. In fact, the shadows of coming events indicate that strenuous efforts will be made to regain for Auckland the political supremacy which, in times past, were hold to be by many detrimental to the best interests of the Southern Provinces. For these reasons a perfecting of the electoral roll becomes a matter of pressing import. It should, therefore, be our aim and object to secure candidates of unquestionable probity—not birds of passage —and such an extension of the number of electors that they would feel that in all they did, in supporting views advocated, they would be energetically supported by their constituencies with earnestness, in again bringing this subject before the public, we would remind those who are on the 801 l that a change of residence necessitates a fresh Registration, and as this class are numerous, their special attention is directed to it. We look upon this question as of serious moment. It is imperative that some party should take up this matter of Registration. What is the Otago Political Association doing! It was started with a great flourish of trumpets, but as yet we have not discovered any fruit from the seed sown. Now is its opportunity, and we hope no time will be lost by the directors in organising for the Registration of the whole Province. The position they have assumed renders this work their especial duty, and the people expect they will prove equal to tire occasion. Let “ Registration ” be tbe watchword between this and the 31st of March. The time is short; energetic action is inquired.