“A GENERAL BUNGLE.”

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3328, 21 September 1911, Page 5

“A GENERAL BUNGLE.”

PURGING THE ROLLS.

TOD MANY NAMES STRUCK OFF. AMENDINC LEGISLATION PROPOSED. (From Qua* Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 20. The new method of purging the electoral rolls has apparently failed to achieve the purpose for which it was devised. The confusion which has arisen is ascribed principally to the failure of persons to return, the notices of appeal against objections made by registrars to the retention of their names. Mr W. F. Massey asked the Prime Minister this afternoon whether instructions had been given to cease purging the rolls: The Prime Minister said about thirtyfive thousand, people had: failed to return the notices replying to the registrars inquiries, as to their eligibility. Applications for enrolment, could not be granted unless they were made a month before the elections, and in view of this fact he had l given instructions that in the meantime the purging of the rolls should be discontinued. There was no intention of retaining the names of persons who were not entitled to vote. Mr Massey said the statement of the Prime Minister disclosed a serious state of affairs, and it should, be made dear that the people; must not rely on the departmental officers for their enrolment. A serious mistake had been made in abandoning the old system of automatic purging of the rolls. The Prime Minister said the difficulty was that some persons had not received the notices, and their names had been struck off. The rolls were being over-purged, but they would be all right in time for the elections. If this (result was not possible lie would, ask the House to pass an amending clause to ensure that every person over twentyone years of age qualified by residence should have a vote. He would propose the engagement of enough officials to enrol them all.

Mr W. O. Buchanan (Wairarapa) characterised the position as a- general bungle, but the Prime Minister denied that the term was applicable. Pie added that arrangements had been made for printing the rolls in the different districts, and the main rolls would be completed within the time intended. A satisfactory arrangement fixing a maximuml price for the printing of rolls had been made with the Master Printers Association. Sir Joseph Ward admitted that the electoral census had caused confusion. *