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the particular circumstances which arose in the Pacific, was capable of satisfactory fulfilment. The legislation was unique in that it is extremely doubtful if a poll will again be taken under such circumstances. We found no difficulty in carrying into effect the principles intended by the Legislature. Co-operation from Service Authorities 12. Our tour of duty in connection with the election brought us into contact with all the Services in New Zealand and overseas, and also required close co-operation with the American authorities who' were responsible for our transportation overseas. It can confidently be stated that during the whole of this period cordial relationship existed throughout. There was a genuine desire on the part of all persons with whom we came in contact to extend to us every facility in the performance of our mission. We are most grateful to all concerned for their whole-hearted co-operation in this respect, and for the assistance afforded us. I would like to add my personal thanks to Major Malcolm for the services he rendered. He was industrious, and his knowledge of electoral law and procedure was most helpful. The staff directly associated with me at my headquarters in New Caledonia also gave valuable assistance under trying conditions, and I am most grateful to them. In conclusion, may I express our appreciation of the confidence reposed in us by those responsible for our despatch on this mission. It has been a most interesting experience, and the knowledge gained from our trip abroad, together with the contacts made, should, we trust, prove beneficial to the Government.

Analysis Voting, by Locations: Pacific Area

Estimated voting strength, all Services in Pacific at time of election .. .. .. 23,000 Votes cast .. .. .. .. .. .. ■■ •• 22,343 Number personnel voting in Licensing Poll for uncontested electorates (estimated) .. .. 407 Number Navy personnel voting in New Zealand on ships returned to New Zealand before date of election (estimated) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,000 Number not desirous of voting (estimated) .. .. .. .. .. .. 100 Number returned to New Zealand from area during period (estimated) . . .. .. 300 Number voting under postal-voting system .. .. .. .. .. .. 43 Number ballot-papers missing (estimated) .. . . .. .. .. .. 150 Percentage of votes cast in relation to actual number available to vote, 97-14. G. E. Pollock, Major, Wellington, 17th November, 1943. Special Returning Officer (Pacific).

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation not given ; printing (1)50 coxrios), £40.

Authority: E. V. PAUL, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 944.

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Votes recorded. Electoral. Licensing. Location. Votes dis- To taL National. Local. allowed. Guadalcanal .. .. 10,616 12 10,628 10,514 1,616 Espiritu Santo .. .. 798 3 801 805 163 New Caledonia .. .. 5,649 38 5,687 5,695 987 Fiji .. .. .. 2,348 .. 2,348 2,376 380 Norfolk .. .. .. 942 .. 942 946 158 Tonga .. .. .. 1,627 3 1,630 1,665 282 Samoa .. .. .. 12 .. 12 12 2 Cook Islands .. .. 2 2 2 2 Australia .. .. .. 256 .. 256 281 42 Coast-watching stations .. 37 .. 37 40 6 Totals .. .. 22,287 56 22,343 22,336 3,638