The New Zealand Times. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 1878.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5308, 30 March 1878, Page 2

The New Zealand Times. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 1878.

We again draw the attention of those who desire to have their names placed on the electoral roll to the fact* that to-day is the last on which applications can be received. There is consequently no time to lose—no delaying of the matter for another day. Persons who neglect to register will be debarred from the exercise of the franchise for the ensuing year—a period which promises to be one of the most eventful in the colony. The Government of the day have announced their intention of bringing down measures of a very important character. In all probability the people of the colony will have an opportunity of expressing their opinion of the contemplated measures at the ballotbox, and it is desirable that all colonists possessing the necessary qualification to be enrolled should place themselves in a position where they will have a voice in the settlement of the great questions to be submitted to the country. There is tolerably certain to be a general election within the next twelve months, and the men whose names are placed on the jliat which closes to-day will hava the trying of the issues, and the deciding as to whether or not the colony is to take a new departure in legislation. .Every man in the community, from the largest holder of property to the man whose sole wealth is the labor of bis hands, is vitally interested in the legislation of the future. We cannot help feeling that troublous times are ahead ; that there is danger of the colony, under the guise of liberal measures, being dragged into a course of action repugnant to the feelings of Englishmen. A systematic attempt, which we hear has been paitially successful, has been made to set class against class in this colony, and it is desirable that on the polling-day it shall not be said, with the slightest degree of truth, that the Government of tho colony is in the hands of a class or a limited section of

the community;.; Under the present electoral laws the vast majority of the 'people- possess - some'qualification or other which entitles them to have their names placed on therolh In the general interests of the colony it is desirable that every available man should ..register. The Town - Clerk is directed by law to prepare a list of the ratepayers, which list is to be forwarded to the registration officer, and the names so forwarded are to be placed on the electoral roll of the district. A great many rely upon this mode of registration, but we would strongly advise them not to put their faith in town clerks. We all know the bungle which was made last year, by which a large number of citizens were disfranchised. We do not eesire to hint that the present Town Clerk, Mr. Graham, is other than an intelligent and zealous officer; but there are doubtful points in the law relating to this subject, and we believe it is imperative that a person should pay his municipal rates before the 31st March, otherwise he will not be entitled to have his name placed on the electoral roll. After the experience of last year, it will be better for ratepayers to trust to themselves to have their names enrolled. The process is extremely simple, and involves little time or trouble. Mr. Baker is the registration officer for this district, and as the office closes at,one, Mr. Baker, we understand, will receive claims to be placed on the roll up to a late hour this night, at his residence, Upper Willis-street.