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Hokitika Guardian, 23 January 1923, Page 2

Thk lodging of a petition against tin? return of one of the Maori members I Parliament lias given some prominence to the subject of Maori elections. Many Nov, Zealanders no doubt as_ -umc without question that the system followed in the polling for Native members is the same as that followed in the polling for European representatives. The fact is, however, that it differs considerably. First of all, there is no Maori roll. There is provision in the law for the compilation of such a '•ell. but so far n ine lias been coinpiled. The reason is, probably, that

roll would be useless unless enrolment was compulsory. The Native does not take readily to systems of registration. as many registrars of births ml deaths have cause to know. If a •dll were used it is likely that comparatively few Natives would register voluntarily. and most of the voting would have to be “by declaration,” so that things would he little better than they lie now. When the Maori elector enters a polling booth on election day he is required to state his full name, his iwi (triltel, his hopu (sub-tribe) and bis kinnga (place of abode). These particulars are inscribed on the counterfoil of a voting paper. Then the elector is required to state the name of the candidate for whom he desires to vote, and the returning officer writes it upon the voting paper. The returning officer and a Maori associate are the only

persons permitted to be present when a Maori elector votes. The officer, aftr recording the vote puts his name or his initials on the paper and hands it to the associate, who similarly signs or initials it. The part of the paper on which the vote is noted Is detachable from that on which the particulars concerning the elector appear. No

scrutineer is permitted to he present in the booth during voting. Secrecy lias to he preserved concerning the Native's vote, just as it has to he preserved conerning the European’s. Immediately after the noil has closed scrutineers are admitted so that they may witness the counting of the votes.

In connetion with the recent examinations it was stated at last. week’s meeting of the Canterbury Education Board that group L of the D examination. which qualities pupil-teachers or probationers to enter the Normal Training College, proved a stumbling block at the last examinations to twenty-five young teachers in the Canterbury Education Banrd’x district. The matter came up when a letter was load fiom Mr J. Cauglilev Director of Education, expressing surprise that there should have been twenty-live applications for a year's extension of service as pupilteachers or probationers. Mr Cniighley expressed the opinion that with the facilities now available pupil teachers and probationers should have little difficulty in passing Group 1. of the D. examination. Mr C aiighley s lettru was as follows: “With reference to the above T have to state that, it is desired to impress upon all pupil teachers, probationers and head teachers supervising the same, that there is rarely any excuse for a pupil teacher or probationer not passing in Group 1 ,>) the class T) examination which wi o' qualify for entering the training college. Failure to quality under the very moderate conditions required mu>l. a- a rule, indicate that the young teacher has not been sullicieutlv diligent in study. Further, this fact should he apparent to the head teacher long before the end of the two years’ service and should be reported to the hoard so that those who are not making satisfactory progress should he warned or dismissed. With the large number of well qualified young people how applying for entrance to the leaching profession, with the ample facilities which they have had for free secondary education, and with payment of allowances hv the Government fully double those in nn.v other part of th Empire, it L only reasonable to ask that rhe.se young people should apply the ins elves seriously and diligently to their studies and that very rarely should any concession he required, ft is noted that application lias been made tor twenty-five extensions ibis year. In the opinion of the Department tills should not as a rule be necessary for more than four or live such applications. After a short discussion it was decided to forward copies of Mr Caitghley's letter to all head teachers in the hoard’s-district.