Cl Elections

Keen Interest In Cl Elections

VOTING for the European member of the Cook Islands Legislative Council in mid-March resulted in Mr. H. R. McKegg retaining his seat by a narrow margin.

His opponent was Mr. R. J. A.

Ingram, a Rarotongan businessman.

Final voting was: McKegg, 65; Ingram, 62; informal 2. Both can didates had a similar policy; both are in favour of the Belshaw-Stace economic report on the Cooks (out lined in March PIM).

The elections for Maori members of the Rarotonga Island Council also took place in mid-March at polling places located in Rarotonga’s various districts, and far greater in terest was taken in these elections than had been the case for several years.

For the first time, Maori candi dates provided free trucks to trans port the voters to the polling places.

Record numbers of votes were cast in all electorates. Three members of the Cook Islands Progressive Association were voted into office, and a fourth tied with Mr. D. C.

Brown, businessman and shipowner.

A Right of Appeal can be lodged by the unsuccessful candidate with in 21 days of the Returning Officer’s decision. This would result in a re cast of votes being made.

If Mr. Brown’s opponent wins he will be the fourth supporter of the CIPA to become a member of the present Island Council. There are six Maori members.

The powers granted to Island Councils last October made them fully responsible for the mainten ance and improvement of roads, water supplies, harbour facilities and reef passages.