Second Ballot Bill.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 43370, 10 September 1908, Page 3

Second Ballot Bill.

THIRD READING CARRIED.

THE OPPOSITION OPPOSE.

,* THE PREMIER’S REPLY. c&j Wellington, Septembers. In the House this afternoon, on the motion for the third reading of the Second Ballot Bill, considerable discussion took place. Mr Ell complained that the newspapers were giving the Opposition the wfiole credit of the amendment declaring that 500 votes at the first ballot should be deemed an absolute majority. That was unfair, as several Government members had made the suggestion in writing to the Premier. He had noticed it was the habit of many newspapers not on the Liberal side of politics to suppress from press reports speeches made by Liberal members. The Premier said some objection had been taken to the new clauses added late on Friday on the grounds that they interfered with the liberty of the press. Those who argued that the liberty of the press was interfered with overlooked the fact that for six or eight weeks before the election every opportunity was afforded for the the fullest criticism of the views of the whole of the candidates. Moreover, between the first and second ballots newspapers would be at perfect liberty to discuss the policy of the Government or the Opposition so long as no particular candidate was opposed or supported. Under such circumstances it was absurd to suggest that the liberty of the press was interfered with, and he was surprised that any writer or newspaper lacked intelligence enough to make the

suggestion. Mr Massey said the absurdity of the new clause, sub-section 1, was shown by the fact that it did not prevent anyone opposed to the candidnte holding meetings all over the place between the first and second ballots to run him down so long as he did not advocate the candidature of anyone else. The measure as a whole was not wanted by the country, and he predicted that in a few months those who voted for the Bill would curse it and everything connected with it. He strongly objected t this noxious weed transplanted from German to New Zealand soil. g Mr Rutherford, who opposed the Bill, quoted figures to show wnat was likely uuder the second ballot. Candidates i would be continually returned by less than an absolute majority of electors. Mr Herries said the Bill in the present form was unworkable. The Government newspapers had condemned the Bill ai well as tho- o supporting the Opposition. He had found in previous elections ! that the official declaration f 'the poll was not declared for Severn,l da} r s as j ich as seven days. Yet it was now ; provided that the second poll take place ' H i 'en days after the close of the poll, I w .ich under the circumstances was | absurd. The second poll should be i seven days after the official declaration of the first poll. Refeirihg to the new clauses Mr Henies pointed out’that newspapers would have to wait for the official declaration of the poll before commenting upon tli • success or failure of any candr late. He generally condemned the principles of the second ballot. Mr Fisher prophesied many electoral troubles under the Bill which favoured men of means. Mr Izard accepted the Pill as a compromise between the present and preferential systems. . Dr. Chappie said the Bill was an expedient of party politician not reform of statesmen. Mr Wilford said one might blackguard his opponent so long as he did not say anything in support of oneself. Dr. Chappie, continuing, said that every section of the community should have representation in Parliament in proportion to its strength iu the c -untry The Premier, replying, said it was obvious those who feared majorities WRre opposed to the bill. He had never heard a more illogical or narrow reasoning than that of Mr. Massey It was impossible to devise a basis for proportional representation. During 40 years in Germany not a single proposal had been made to repeal the Second Ballot. He again ju titled the amendments made in the Bill on the ground that they tended to prevent undue pressure being brought to bear between the two polls. He declared that all amendments made in committee had been suggested by bis side of the House, not by the Opposition The third reading was agreed to by 37 to 14, and the Bill passed.