105,332 New Zealanders Still Not On The Rolls

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28321, 5 July 1957, Page 7

105,332 New Zealanders Still Not On The Rolls

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON. July 4

More than 105,000 New Zealanders have not yet enrolled for voting in the General Election. The exact number, as announced in Wellington tonight, is 105,332 persons—but this figure does not include those still t_ enrol for the first time.

Figures from every New Zealand electorate were collated today in the Chief Electoral Office. They showed that, on the average about 100 people in each electorate are not on the main roll, which is expected to close about th c end of the month. National postings of enrolment forms numbered 1.101.555 So far. 996.222 forms have been returned

Of the four main centres, Wellington and Dunedin have been the slowed to respond. In Wellington’s five electorates, there are an estimated 10 000 neople not vet on the rolls. In Dunedin’s four electorates, there are 11.000 still to enrol.

Auckland electors were quickest to respond, with only 12.000 people outstanding in 12 electorates. In Christchurch, about the same number are due to enrol—from eight electorates.

Commenting on the national figures. the Chief Electoral Officer (Mr L. Irwin) said a better national response had been shown during the last few weeks. “However, if we are to get a reasonably full main roll the improvement will have to continue over the next few weeks.” he said.

Mr Irwin said the response from the four Maori electorates could be much better. Only 25.000 of

4 1 ,000 enrolment forms had been returned so far, he said.

Final .’gures for all electorates were not available tonight, but some, w’ith enrolment deficiencies, are listed as follows: Palmerston North, Hastings and Otaki: 800 each. Nelson; 900. Marlborough, Wairarapa. Howke’s Bay, Manawatu: 100 each. Heretaunga: 1500. Rangitikei, Patea. Wanganui. Pahiatua, Gisborne: 2000 each. Napier. Petone. Hutt: 2500 each Invercargill’s two electorates are each deficient by 1500 enrolments.