THE WATAROA BALLOT

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1917, Page 3

THE WATAROA BALLOT

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Re the WLiaroa Land Ballot. My wife, my sou, and myself filed applications for inoluaiou ia the four ballots. The applications wen in due form and our position unchallenged. Yet my name was omitted iu the first and second ballots, included in the third and fourth. My wife’s name waa omitted in oil four ba-lot?.

I asked the Commws’oner for aD explanation of this extraordinary rnd to me mo;t grievous treatment. He very courteously said that the principle of preference had c .mo in and that those with dependents had precedence over fcbo?e with none. Now, Mr Editor, I have one dependent. My only eligible son is on his way to th. front. He volunteered as soon as he was of age and I can leave it to the public to say what we have given in service and gifts since the war broke out. Is it fair then that we should ba the victims cf this mo-t nnfH’r heat moot? Can it he justified ? If fVig in "0 ’T W !.'•*; lb* li ! “ r v! the La- d BrlvC aUw wur-ithr-nor sane. la conclusion may I a?k it through your valuable cMumus, you could give me information on ths following questions. (a) Why was my wife’s name cut out of all four ballots. (b) Why was I cut out of one and two. (c) What exactly is the meaning of the terms “ preference ” and dependents as used in this connection. (d) la there any appeal possible ? Thanking you in anticipation. I am

Elisha A, Wells. Woodstock, Feb 26th, 1917. [Enquiries are being made aud a re. ply will be given shoitly EdGuardian ]