H.—39

4

taking therefrom all the ballot-papers therein, shall set aside ail informal ballot-papers, and ascertain, in respect of each candidate, the number of ballot-papers which are marked with the figure 1 opposite his name, or which in any other manner indicate the desire of the elector that that candidate should be elected. (3.) The number so ascertained in respect of each candidate shall be deemed to be the number of first-preference votes recorded for that candidate. 16. (1.) A ballot-paper is informal— (a.) If there is reasonable cause to believe that it was not issued to a voter by the Deputy Returning Officer ; or (6.) If it has upon it any mark or writing by which the voter can be identified ; or (c.) If it has no vote indicated on it; or (d.) If it has the figure 1 opposite the names of more than one candidate ; or (c.) If it does not clearly indicate the candidate whom the elector desires to be elected. (2.) A ballot-paper shall not be rejected as informal on. any ground other than those stated in the last preceding subsection. (3.) In particular, a ballot-paper shall not be informal by reason only— (a.) That a figure (not being the figure 1) has been placed opposite the names of more than one candidate, but the votes indicated by that figure or any higher figure shall not be effectual; or (b.) That a figure (not being the figure 1) has been omitted in the numerical sequence of the order of the voter's preference, but the votes indicated by any figure higher than the figure so omitted shall not be effectual; or (c.) That the voter has not placed any figures in the squares opposite the names of the candidates, but has indicated his preference by placing a cross in the square opposite the name of any one candidate. In any such case he shall be deemed to have indicated his first preference for the candidate opposite whose name he has placed such cross ; or (d.) That the voter has struck out the name or names of all candidates save one, and in that case he shall be deemed to have indicated his preference for the candidate whose name has not been struck out. _xk 17. Immediately after ascertaining the number of first-preference votes recorded for each candidate, the Deputy Returning Officer shall announce the result at the polling-booth at which he presides, and shall transmit the result by telegraph or other expeditious means to the Returning Officer. 18. (1.) The Deputy Returning Officer shall then forthwith make up into separate parcels— (a.) The used ballot-papers, together with (but in a separate enclosure) the ballot-papers set aside as informal under section fifteen hereof; (b.) The ballot-papers set aside under section one hundred and thirty-two of the principal Act ; (c.) The unused and spoilt ballot-papers ; (d.) All books and papers kept and used by him during the polling, except the certified copy of the roll supplied to him on which is noted, the fact that any elector has tendered his vote ; and (a.) (i.) A statement of the number of first-preference votes received, by each candidate, and of the number of ballot-papers set aside as informal under section fifteen hereof, or set aside under section one hundred and thirty-two of the principal Act; and

Informal votes.

Result of voting to be announced.

Deputies to make up books and papers in parcels.