ELECTIONS TO-DAY

Evening Star, Issue 22954, 11 May 1938, Page 8

ELECTIONS TO-DAY

RECORD POLLING ANTICIPATED MAYORAt RESULT AVAILABLE BEFCAE 8.30 HEAVY TASK OF COSTING VOTES A record poll is anticipated at the elections to-day for the city mayoralty, City Council, and for members of the Harbour and the Hospital Board. Beautiful weather prevailed, and only those ill or infirm could be excused for not exercising their franchise. . This year the electors in the city have registered in greater numbers than ever before, the roll closing with a total of 43,683 names, as compared with 37,228 on the roll for the 1935 elections. In 1935 a total of 27,693 voters exercised their franchise. The polling places opened at 9 o’clock this morning, and from the commencement there was a steady stream of voters. It was obvious that more than usual interest was being taken in the elections, and at all of the 34 polling places in the city and suburbs a greater proportion had registered their votes than is ordinarily the case during the morning of the poll. ■ During the morning the polling places were visited by the returning officer (Mr R. A., Johnston) and his assistants.

Mr Johnston stated this morning that, judging by the number who had voted early, there would be a poll of well over 30,000, which will constitute a record for the city. It was anticipated that the result of the mayoral contest would be available before 8.30 if the counting of the votes proceeded smoothly, as had always been the case in the past. It would probably be approaching midnight _ before _ t l '' final results of the council election could be announced. Twelve councillors were required, and if, say, 30.000 electors voted, 360,000 votes would be recorded. The results of the election for the Harbour Board and the Hospital Board would , also be very late. The task, of counting the votes was a long and arduous one. No doubt the usual CfbWfl ■will be present outside, the Town Hall when the returning officer- announces the result of the mayoral contest, and speeches will be called for from the candidates. Results will be broadcast, and probably the majority of citizens will listen in at their homes.

The two candidates for the mayoralty closed . their campaigns last night, when they addressed large gatherings. Mr Allen spoke at George Street, and Mr Cos took part in the Labour rally at the Town Hall, favourable hearings being accorded in each case. Candidates for the' City Council and other local bodies also spoke last night. Wide interest is also being taken in the St. Kilda elections, where there are two candidates for the mayoralty and 20 candidates for the 10 required on the Borough Council. It is anticipated that the mayoral result will be announced from the St. Kilda Town Hall at about 7.30 or 7.45, and that the results of the council election will beavailable shortly after 9 o’clock. Even polling booths are not immune from thieves. -When the returning officer (Mr R. A. Johnston) for the,city local body elections was visiting the various polling places this morning to see that everything was working smoothly, he was noticed to be carrying bundles of pencils. Asked for the reason, he said that dozens of pencils had already been stolen from the booths, and further supplies had to be on hand to replace them. The pencils were removed in spite of the fact that they were attached to the voting desks by a string. ■ _ The polling this forenoon at Port Chalmers was much heavier than was the case at the local elections three years ago. The fine weather was a distinct factor in bringing the people out. The voting was for mayor, councillors, and a member for the Hospital Board. The mayoral results will be announced a few minutes before 8 p.m., and the result of the poll for councillors—l6 candidates for 10 vacancies—at 10 p.m.