Special votes reduce S.C. majority

Press, 20 September 1980, Page 7

Special votes reduce S.C. majority

PA Auckland Special votes have reduced the majority gained by the new member of Parliament for East Coast Bays, Mr G. T. Knapp, in the by-election two weeks ago.

Mr Knapp’s win in the by-election on September 6. has been confirmed by the returning officer (Mr G. M. Ford). The final results, with the by-election night figures in brackets are: D. T. Brash (National) 7110 (6616), Mrs Wyn Hoadley (Labour) 3296 (3130). G. T. Knapp (Social Credit) 8061 (7728). Mrs Janet Moore (Values) 144 (137).

Majority for Knapp, 951 (1119) There were 35 informal votes.

By polling less than 25 per cent of Mr Knapp’s total voting support, Mrs Moore will lose her $lOO deposit.

Of the 29,243 people eligible to vote in the byelection, a total of 18,611 (63.64 per cent) cast valid votes, Mr Ford said that a little more than 1500 special votes were submitted, of which ■ 923 were allowed. Most of those disallowed were hot qualified to vote in tlie by-elec-tion, •

An analysis of the special votes lodged? in New Zealand showed .451 -.votes for Dr- Brash, 146 for Mrs. Hoadlev. 318 for Mr

Knapp, and five for Mrs Moore. There were three informal votes. Figures for electors overseas, - including servicemen, were 35 for Dr Brash, 13 for Mrs Hoadley, 14 for Mr Knapp, and one for Mrs Moote. There was no informal vote. Mr Ford said that only a very small number of voters used ticks and crosses in their ballot forms instead of the advised method of striking put the names of the candidates they did not want to vote for. Those ballot papers bearing ticks and crosses were allowed.