CORRUPT PRACTICES BILL.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 382, 6 July 1889, Page 4

CORRUPT PRACTICES BILL.

The Colonial Secrotary, in moving the second reading of this Bill, gaid the object was to assimilate the law to that in force in the United Kingdom. Ono new feature was bo make the payment to an elector on account of any land or building used for the exhibition ot an address, bills, or notico, an illegal practice. Another clause\prohibifccd the lending: or hiring of hackney cariiagcs ordinarily Uopt for hire, in conveying voters to the poll. Every bill or placard in reference* to an election must have an imprint, and wagers on the result of an election are prohibited under the penalty of £20. Within 28 days of an election the agent of the candidate must make a roturn to the candidate of all expenses incurred in fche arrangement of the election, tailing which he would bo liable to a penalty not exceeding £50. Various other points in Mie Bill could be dealt with in committee. Mr Hutchison criticised the measure. J\lr Samuel thought the Bill too cumbersome and aimed at ultra purity. He paw no reason why peraons should not be allowed to be conveyed to and from tho poll. Hon. Mr Ballance pointed out that the employment of election agents meant lawyeis who would have to be paid heavily. There was nothing in the Bill to prevent wealthy people lending their carriagesat election to favourite candidates, whi c would give them the advantage of the work ing men candidates. He did not see any harm in tho display of ribbons and colours at elections. Ho objected to the power of directing prosecutions being left in the hands of the Minister of Justice. Some provisions he would support as being an improvement in the existing law. Mr Fish opposed the Bill. After the evening adjournment the second reading of bho Bill was adjourned ior a month.