14
a course which would be invidious and of limited value.
On the other hand to make special provision for extending the franchise to Government servants generally, apart from the difficulty of confining the privilege to responsible
and literate persons, might well be considered by the other electors and the public generally as a reactionary move seriously detracting from the popular element in
this election. In the circumstances I am of opinion that
it would not be expedient to depart, at least for the
present, from a policy which has given rise to no complaints in the past.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
w.I. Southor.
Officer Administering the Government.