No Need For Election Probe —Fraser

Northern Advocate, 1 October 1943, Page 5

No Need For Election Probe —Fraser

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day A reply has been sent by the Prime Minister (Hon. P. Fraser) to a letter from Mr ,S. G. Holland in which the Leader of the Opposition suggested setting up a committee of inquiry to look into various matters, connected with the elections.

Mr Fraser sitys- he is of opinion that nothing that had been brought to his notice would justify the appointment of such a committee. The Elefctoral Act made ample provision for dealing with any irregularities which might possibly be suspected. He thought it would bo preferable that the usual course should be adopted if any per-son-Or persons thought there 'was reasonable ground for taking action. Mr Fraser also forwarded to,Mr Holland a return from the Chief Electoral Officer on the points raised by Mr Holland. The Chief Electoral Officer said it was made clear in all announcements from the electoral office, also in the Press, that Saturday’s voting figures were a preliminary count only. On election night the fullest possible returns of the forces’ votes from New Zealand and overseas was announced and, actually the majority of overseas votes was given on Saturday night. 78,000 Still To Be Counted Outstanding returns of forces’ votes were estimated as follows: Canada 150, Middle East 2000, Pacific 6000 (including 2000 declaration votes). New Zealand 12,000. Already 73,000 forces’ votes have been included in the preliminary count. Absentees, postal and seamen votes, still to be counted, were in the vicinity of 60,000. These were outstanding civilian votes. Electoral Officer’s Reply The Chief Electoral Officer gave details of precautions taken to ensure the secrecy of the ballot among service personnel. Referring to the case quoted by Mr, Holland, the Chief Electoral Officer says he had ascertained the figures were in a report of the Dunedin North electorate, and an incorrect figure had been used, Independent candidate number three having been credited with obtaining 375 civilian votes and 431 soldiers’ votes. Actually he obtained 783 civilian and 43 soldiers’ votes. The returning officer had recorded the correct figures, but an error had been made in the published figures. As to distribution to servicemen of policy material, this was cabled overseas and printed there within one week of being supplied by the respective parties.