H.—33c

It was extremely fortunate that such a staff could be chosen. They worked exceedingly well and were at all times willing and cheerful, despite the long hours sometimes necessary. After the completion of the official count the staff was released as the work diminished and members thereof should prove of value to the 11. Q., 2 N.Z.E.F., if at any time it becomes necessary to hold a by-election. Publicity Before my departure from New Zealand an arrangement was made by cable with H.Q., 2 N.Z.E.F., that publicity be given to the New Zealand general election through Army, Navy, and Air Force orders in the Middle East and that units not of the 2 N.Z.E.F. be requested to advise the number of New Zealand personnel on their strength to " The Special Returning Officer, care of H.Q., 2 N.Z.E.F." This was done, and a notice requesting this was placed in 2 N.Z.E.F. Times of 16th August, 1943. Replies commenced to be received on my arrival on 18th August. A slight error appeared in this early announcement, in that applications were requested from civilians and one or two replies were received from persons not entitled to vote as members of the Forces. All persons (233) who replied to the advertisement received an acknowledgment. The poster giving information regarding the regulations and voting facilities was distributed liberally to all units of 2 N.Z.E.F., and was circulated also to New Zealand Forces' Club, New Zealand Y.M.C.A., and all N.A.A.F.I. institutions likely to be visited by New Zealand personnel. In addition, a resume of this was printed in 2 N.Z.E.F. Times on 30th August, and isolated NewZealanders on special duties were again requested to communicate with the Special Returning Officer. By kind assistance of the R.A.F. Welfare Section it was possible to have a similar statement printed in Air Force News on 7th September. It was also possible to have references to the New Zealand election made in the local Egyptian papers. The possibility of radio broadcast was investigated, but on advice of the Broadcasting Unit of the Public Relations Service, 2 N.Z.E.F., it was not proceeded with, as units are not supplied with sets suitable for reception of normal broadcasts, and no benefit was likely to result. The list of nominated candidates was printed overnight by the 2 N.Z.E.F. Printing Unit and distributed on the same basis as the poster. The amendments thereto and the list of Maori candidates were cyclostyled and despatched on the same basis immediately it was received. This list appeared in the N.Z.E.F. Times of 20th September, there being an objection advised from New Zealand to the publication in the same issue as the statements of party policy. Statements of party policy were received later and were printed immediately by 2 N.Z.E.F. Times, which had withheld issue pending their receipt. The statements were received on 13th September, and the paper was issued on 15th September. Every endeavour was made to be scrupulously fair on layout and setting. Advertisements were received from New Zealand Alliance and National Council, licensed Trade, too late for inclusion in the above issue, which was already half run, and it was necessary to delay publication till the next issue on 20th September. Printing facilities, paper shortage, and difficulties of distribution would not permit the running of a special issue, aiid this was indicated to the Chief Electoral Officer by cable. After the poll 2 N.Z.E.F. Times published results as received from New Zealand and also the percentages of service voting in the Middle East for various parties and the liquor issues. The release of this percentage was approved by cable from New Zealand. The Film Unit of 2 N.Z.E.F. requested my co-operation in allowing them to make a short film of election procedure in the Middle East for despatch to New Zealand, and this was done. In addition, a number of " stills " were taken and copies of these appear in this report as Appendix A [not printed]. Copies of all publicity given in papers is attached to this report as Appendix F [not printed]. The Public Relations Section of 2 N.Z.E.F., which publishes the N.Z.E.F. Times, was eager to co-operate in any way and were at all times most helpful in keeping the Forces " election conscious." This assistance was extremely valuable and played no small part in the success of the poll. Printing On board the transport I found a printing press operated by the ship's staff, and decided to arrange printing of certain forms and instructions. This, however, involved payment to the ship's printer, and I had no credit with the ship's Paymaster. Furthermore, there was no paper on board and it would be necessary to purchase some at the first port of call. I was informed of the ship's movements, and accordingly cabled from Hobart for authority to draw on ship's Paymaster. The ship was in Hobart for only a few hours, but I was given special permission to go ashore for two hours for the purpose of purchasing paper. This proved difficult, as the two hours included the local lunch-hour, and the purchase of paper necessitated the issue of permits on account of the extreme shortage then existing. Eight reams were finally obtained from the Government Printer, Hobart, through the good offices of the State Electoral Officer, and I caught the transport with a few minutes to spare. At Perth authority to draw on the ship's Paymaster was received and I claimed for the expenditure incurred. Between Hobart and Perth it was found that the ship's printer would be able to do only two small jobs and could not print the booklet of instructions which I had drafted. I then heard the date of the election, and determined to try to get the job done at Perth if our stay was long enough. It was found on arrival at Fremantle that we would be there for thirty-six hours, and I immediately went to Perth. After some difficulty a private firm was persuaded to undertake the job, although the time was very short (the Western State Printer being unable to help on account of their own forthcoming election). I took delivery of the finished job late on the night of the second day, and it was necessary to take a taxi back to the ship at Fremantle. On arrival at Maadi the Printing Unit of 2 N.Z.E.F. was placed at my disposal and undertook further requirements. During the printing of the list of nominated candidates their machine broke down and it was necessary to have the job completed elsewhere. We were fortunate in receiving the immediate assistance of the Printing Unit of the Union of South Africa Defence Forces. A copy of each form drafted and printed by me is attached hereto as Appendix B [not printed].

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