THE ELECTIONS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3336, 14 November 1919, Page 7

THE ELECTIONS.

ILLEGAL PRACTICES DEFINED.

The fact that Parliament, in order to limit expenditure on election cam. paigns, has imposed severe penalties for certain practices .appears to have been overlooked in connection with the present campaign. It seems expedient, therefore, to direct public ;attention to the clauses relating to corrupt and _illegal_, prae'tices, as defined in “The Legislature Act, 1908.” This Act. prohibi't.s: 1. The employment of‘ paid com. mittcemen or canvassers. 2. Payment for conveyance of electors to or from the poll. 3. Any payment or contract for payment—— (a) For bands, torches, flags, banners, cockades, ribbons, or c.t1~,e,1'ln:«ll'ks of distinction. (b) For exhibiting bills, addl'r3Ss:*s, or notices, or for the use of any house, building, erection, place, board, or thing for the purpose of any such exhibition.

Every pexzsoln who makes any prly~ mont or contract for payment in breach of this section, commits an illegal practice, and any person being‘ a party to any such contr-act, 01' I'o- - such puynmlt, also commirs an illegal practice

Clause 223 prohibits payments being made in respect of the cond_uct of an election “by any agent, on -behalf of the candidate, or by any other person at any time, \\'hethel: before, d111'i11jg;, or after the election. . . . All money provided by any person other than the candidate for any expenses incurred. whether as gift, loan, advance, or deposit. shall be paid to or on the order of the cztndidate, and not othel‘wi;<e.""'

’l.‘llo penzllfics are very severe. F 0" a corrupt practice a fine not exceeding‘ £SOO. and for‘-an illegal practice £IOO. In a(ldif.iol'l. an Election Court‘ may order tlmlt the person so convictoal shall for the p01'i0(l:of tlxrco _voqrs be incap.'lblc’of voting at any election for any public offico; also from holding any public"or judicial officc_ Tll9 person adjudged guilty of any Corrupt or illegal practice may also be ordered ‘ro pay the cost of the prosecution. _ Proceedin-gbs may be "initiated by any person who voted, 01' had 21 right to vote at the :C‘lCCtl.Oll, -or by any candidate.