HARBOR BOARD ELECTIONS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2413, 30 January 1909, Page 5

HARBOR BOARD ELECTIONS

QUALIFICATION OF VOTERS. Alessrs. Chrlsn and Coleman, solicitors lo the Gisborne Harbor Board, have supplied the following opinion on the oucstion raised at the Board meeting on Ato n day last, as to whether persons could claim to be ou a County Roll on a residential qualification: “We are of opinion that the point raised in no wav effects the presentelection. and that the secretary is bound to the provisions of the 'Gisborne Harbor Act of 1905.’ That Act, as regards elections, gives for the Borough, voters list and the electoral roll combined, and for the County, the ratepayers roll, which is made up by the County Clerk and banded to the Borough I t days before the election. The secretary is bound to accept that roll as conclusive, and has no power to inquire whether the right persons have entered thereon or not. It therefore follows that, in the Borough residential qualification is allowed, but- not in the County.” The nominations for Hie vacancies caused by the retirement of Messrs'. J. Tow nicy and D. Hepburn as representatives of the Cook and AYaiapu Counties, and Aiessrs. J. AY bin ray anti F. Harris as representatives of the Borough, close at the Harbor Board office at noon on Alomlay. So far no nominations have been received. Itis anticipated that all the retiring members will accept re-nomination, and tli'K-e is a movement on foot to bring forward candidates to oppose Ales-rs. Whinary and Townley. Air. John Townley last- evening informed a “Times” reporter that ho has decided to offer himself as a. omdidate for election to the Harbor Board, as a representative of the borough, and Air. James Wliinray’s nomination as a candidate to represent Hie borough was lodged yesterday. Air. AV .l). S. MacDonald, ALP., and Air. J. B. lvells, manager for Messrs Common, Shelton and Co.. Ltd., (have consented to nomination to represent the counties, and it is understood that Air. R. Robb will not be a candidate at this election.