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REPORT, 1893-94.
35
The new Local Government Franchise will extend
to Lodgers and Service Voters, as well as to
married and unmarried women; provided that husband
and wife shall not both be qualified in respect
of the same property.
The number of persons entitled to vote at the
last Vestry Election was about 10,000; the number
who will probably be able to vote at the November
Election, including the "Ownership portion" of the
Electors for the County of Middlesex (according to
the present Register), will be 15,490, thus it will be
in the power of persons who do not feel the fluctuations
of rates to increase Local burdens at the expense
of actual ratepayers.
A person to be qualified as a Member of the new
Vestry must be a Parochial Elector or have resided
in the Parish for twelve months preceding the election
: the representative may be male or female,
married or unmarried ; the Board is to be elected by
the Electors.
The new rules to be made by the Local Government
Board will provide for the appointment of a
Returning Officer for the Vestry Election.
The term of office of Members is to be three
years, one-third retiring annually. No rating qualification
will be necessary. Absence for six consecutive
months, except in case of illness or for some
approved reason, will disqualify for membership.