PROVINCIAL ELECTORAL ACT, 1872.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 277, 28 August 1872, Page 3

PROVINCIAL ELECTORAL ACT, 1872.

The Wellington Evening Post says: — “ The Provincial Electoral Act, 1872, introduced' by the Hon. Mr Gisborne, is intended to consolidate and amend the laws regulating the elections of Superintendents of provinces and members of Provincial Councils. It is divided into three parts, referring to the qualifications of Superintendents arid members of Councils ; registration of electors and proceedings at elections ; and miscellaneous. It proposes to repeal sections 4, G, and 7 of tho. Constitution Act, and the whole of tlie Disqualifications Act, 1858, the Superintendents Election Signification Disallowance Act, 1866, the Provincial Elections Act, 1858, and the Provincial Elections Act Amendment Act, 1869. The first part provides for the election of Superintendents by persons qualified to elect members of the Councils, for the disallowance of the election by the Governor, and for the removal of Superintendents “hv her Majesty” from their office on receipt of an address signed by a majority of the Council praying for such removal. It further provides for the election of members of Provincial Councils, and renders it unnecessary that a member’s qualification shall be in the district which lie represents. Persons holding any office of emolument or place of profit in any department of the General Government are to he disqualified from holding either the office of Superintendent or a'seat in the Provincial Councils —members of the Executive or responsible Ministers of the Crown excepted. The penalty for any infringement of this clause to he a fine of £2O for every day such should take place. Part 3 provides that all electors duly registered according to the provisions of the Electoral Act—the new one which gives the extended franchise—shall he voters at provincial elections, the electoral roll of of the House of Representatives to he evidence as to the right of votes. The Superintendents may, with the advice of their Executives, divide their provinces into electoral districts. Several clauses referring to the conduct of elections are also iu. the bill. Bribery and undue influence will be punished under the Regulation of Elections Act 1872.”