§ 37. Mr. Thomas Fraserasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is now the position regarding the introduction of the secret ballot in the Bahamas; and was a measure with this end in view presented to the House of Assembly with the recommendation that it should be passed in accordance with His Majesty's Government's desire and rejected by them.
§ Colonel StanleyA message from the Governor was sent to the Bahamas House of Assembly in June of this year inviting the House to enact legislation to make voting by secret ballot permanent in New Providence Island and to extend it to the Out Islands. In July the House passed a Bill making the secret ballot permanent in New Providence but rejected by 17 votes to 8 the proposal for the extension of the secret ballot to the 929 whole Colony. The former Bill has since been concurred in by the Legislative Council which has also passed a resolution placing on record its determination to support legislation extending the secret ballot throughout the Colony.
In reply to the last part of the Question, the Governor's message informed the House that the passing of this Measure was expressly desired by His Majesty's Government.
§ Colonel StanleyI am in communication with the Governor as to future action.