GERMANS AT THE POLLS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 21 May 1928, Page 5

GERMANS AT THE POLLS.

DRENCHING RAIN DAMPENS

ENTHUSIASM.

EXCEPT ON THE RED FRONT

(By Telegraph-Press Assn.-Copyright.)

(Times Cable). Received this day, 1.35 p.m. LONDON, Mary . 20. The Times Berlin correspondent says a continuous downpour during the polling hours damped all external manifestations of political excitement at to-day’s elections. The streets were drenched and empty except for little knots of party supporters with limp placards. The voters mostly adjourned to the beer shops. The display of flags provided the only possible index to the trend of political feeling. There was a sprinkling of old Monarchist colours in the better class districts and the Red Flag was prominent in the poorer quarters, but the Republican flag predominated nearly everywhere. A visit to the Communist headquarters for the purpose of inspecting the election propaganda revealed that the. strength of the party lies in its organisation. The interior resembles a Government oflice in a more modern capital. Labyrinthine tiled and distempered corridors, hurrying officials, numbered and ticketed doors from which discreet and pre-occupied individuals conduct their business are the main features. This powerful organisation is centred in Berlin but embraces the whole industrial area of Western Germany . The Communists give startling evidence of the resources at their disposal. One can only speculate as to where the monetary support is drawn from. Ricked ‘‘Red front fighters” to-day attended most of thepolling stations.