SECOND BALLOTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 108, 27 October 1911, Page 8

SECOND BALLOTS

When the short Bill was considered validating certain portions of the Representation Commission's report which are irregular, the Prime Minister stated in the House on Wednesday that all writs must be returned, including those in respect to the second ballots, before December 29. Under present conditions it did not appear as if the second ballots could be taken unless they were made returnable very much earlier than December 29. That, however, would not give sufficient time for members to go •ver their electorates before the general election.

_ Mr. Herdman: You can dissolve Parliament any time you like after we rise.

Sir Joseph Ward: But I don't know when we are going to rise. I thought it was possible last Saturday, but we do not seem able to wind up 'by next Saturday. Mr. I-iine: Rubbish!

Sir Joseph Ward: Your capacity for appreciation would turn anything into rubbish. There are some Bills affecting the hon. gentleman's constituents which he might call rubbish, but which his constituents would regard as highly important. That sort of interjection is one of the customary things one gets from the dust-heap. The question of time allowed for the second ballot had been under consideration, and it might be necessary for the Honse to legislate on the matter. He had an amendment prepared, asking the House to reduce the period for the second ballot, and take them all on the same day, even in the eight or nine country electorates where fourteen days are allowed. ,

Mr. Massey: A very good thing if it can be done. Sir Joseph replied that it could be done if necessary, and he would hold back the Legislature Amendment Bill so that the amendment could be introduced if necessary. The Bill was read a second time.