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THE SECOND BALLOT BILL

OPPOSITIONISTS' STONEWALL. By Tclegrapli.~Pre;s Association. Wellington, Last Night. In committee on the Second Ballot, Bill, Mr. Massey said the short title to the Second Ballot Bill was misleading, as there might be three or even four ballots. The Bill would lead to political corruption, and was distinctly a retrograde measure. A huge mistake was being made in forcing the Bill on the electors, who had not asked for it and did not want it.

Sir Joseph Ward said no more than two ballots were possible. It was a mistake to suppose that the Bill was a parly measure, or that minorities would be disfranchised by it. The House rose at 5.30. The House resumed at 7.30 o'clock. The debate on the short title was continued anil carried on to great length, a stonewall being obviously intended. The Premier said everybody recognised the Opposition's little, game. Mr. J. Allan denied the Bill was being blocked. The Opposition were anxious to put forward all. the arguments against the Bill to show exactly what its nature really was, so that Government supporters might vote in accordance with their real opinions.

At 8.25 o'clock the short-title clause was passed by 30 to 14. On clause 2, Dr. Chappie moved a series of amendments to sub-clause 2, which the chairman ruled out of order, as being a negative of the second ballot. Progress was reported to consult the Speaker. The Chairman's ruling was upheld by the Speaker. Sir Joseph Ward moved an amendment to sub-clause 2 providing that where at the first ballot the first candidate has polled 500 votes more than the second, he shall be decided to have obtained an absolute majority, even though he should not have done so mathematically.

Mr! Massey supported the principle, even though it practically meant the destruction of absolute majority. Sir Joseph Ward acknowledged the suggestion came to him from the Opposition side of the House. Mr. Massey moved that tlie figures 500 be reduced to 250. Sir Joseph Ward could not accept that proposal, saying it would be too narrow. Mr. Massey's amendment was lost and .Sir Joseph Ward's carried by 3(i to 15. Clause 2 was agreed to. Clause 3 was agreed to by 40 to 12. Clause 4, referring to the interval between the first and Second poll, was carried on the voices. Clauses sto 8 were passed unaltered without debate. At clause 0 exception was taken to the compulsory character thereof. The clause was carried by 36 to 12. Clauses 10 to 14 were agreed to without discussion,

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TDN19080905.2.10

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 216, 5 September 1908, Page 2

Word count
Tapeke kupu
429

THE SECOND BALLOT BILL Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 216, 5 September 1908, Page 2

THE SECOND BALLOT BILL Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 216, 5 September 1908, Page 2

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