THE COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 178, 23 December 1876, Page 2

THE COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION.

(to the editor of the patea mail,

Sir, —In your last issue you allowed mo space in your columns, to give my opinion on the question of “Qualification of electors to vote at the first election.” A footnote was appended, in which you stated that you adhered to the opinion you had already expressed, notwithstanding my views. I have now to request that you will allow me space in your next issue to afford the electors some additional information on the subject. Being satisfied in my own mind that I had interpreted the meaning of the 51st clause of the Act correctly, I communicated with the Hon. Major Atkinson on the subject, and to-day I received the following reply : —, “Wellington, 21st Dec., 187 G. “ W. Dale, Paten. “ I think your interpretation of the 51st section of the Counties Act is right, that persons who have votes, one or more, according to their qualifications under the 4th section of the Hoads and Bridges Ordinance, can exercise them in the County elections, and that it is not necessary to ho upon any roll, or to have paid rates, if you are an owner or occupier of land ; of course a different qualification applies to that part of the Province of Wellington. Major Turner has been advised accordingly. “ 11. A. Atkinson ”

The above settles the question. The Returning Officer having duly received instructions in accordance with it. —1 am. &0., W. DALE.