N.Z. Election Fever In New Caledonia

Northern Advocate, 5 October 1943, Page 2

N.Z. Election Fever In New Caledonia

(Official N.Z.E.F. War Correspondent)

NEW CALEDONIA. September 37

Mild bouts of election fever permeated New Zealand “occupied” territories in New Caledonia on Saturday, but by evening “control” bad been established by the granting' of liberal leave, which permitted soldiers of the Third (New Zealand) Division to concentrate at given points where election results, as they came to hand, were made known. For this purpose, loud speakers were utilised iir one area and announcements were made at frequent intervals during a lengthy outdoor picture and concert programme Tire Army Education and Welfare Service, which was responsible for this fine service, also arranged for tea to be served to thy keenly interested body of troops:. Soldiers encamped in an adjacent area were not quite so fortunately placed in the matter of facilities for broadcasting, but private enterprise rose to the occasion in no uncertain manner.

Under the supervision of Captain .T. F. Boult, of Lower Hutt, willing servicemen erected a signboard measuring 24 feet byeight. and Private T. Rothnie. of Johnsonvilie, assumed responsibility for an arduous signwriting task which required two-and-a-half days’ work before completion. The magnitude of this assignment can be gauged from the fact that, six sides of army huts were required for the board, on which was shown the name of every candidate in every electorate. How Servicemen Voted f Servicemen’s voting, which bad been completed some days prior 1o the election in New Zealand, was conducted in similar fashion to Dolls in New Zealand. On production of a soldier’s pay-book as proof of identification, bis name was checked against the special roll of servicemen and voting papers issued. On 1 hose the voter exercised his franchise in normal manner except in 1 lie electoral issue, when he was required to clearly write on the voting paper the name of his selected candidate.