Newsman's Diary

Chronicle (Levin), 29 November 1949, Page 4

Newsman's Diary

Modern Elections See Passing Of Numerous Old Customs

Although oft-times softened by the desire deeply embedded in most New Zealanders to stand aside for the passage of progress, it can nevertheless be said that tradition still dies hard — even among those in the ranks of worldly newspapermen. So it is todav that many journalists say farewell to what has grown up to become an institution on every election day — the public result chart hoisted outside newspaper offices on such occasions.

When the returns of a general election were first displayed outside "The Chronicle" office would be difficult to state, but it was certainly a. very long time ago, in fact before the memory of anv of the nresent older members of the staff. J1 As from this election, a large number of newsnapers in the Dominion are ceasing the practicfi, including "The ChfoniclQ." this being thought advisable in view of the fact that citizens now orefer to sit in the comfort of their homes and hear the results just as ouicklv. The boa.rd has had its dQv. No longer will crowds throng Oxford Street milling acrosR the entire widt.h of the street anri Vining in community vslnging, goo^ ^atured hanter and "the thrill of anticipation as each progress or final result was about to be nasted up! No longer will the candidates, suecessful and unsuccessful. who had been spending the previous campaigning weeks hurling verbaf abuse at one another meet to congratulate or condole in front of the assemhly and in the friendliest of spirits. To the office staff which turned out in force to ensure the sneedy and effective operation of the board. its demis'e will have its compensations. The gathering and eollation of results certainiv brought about some hectic moments and tlwre were few who did not feel ' relieved when thP final- result was posted and the last echoing mass cheer gave place to individual a,nd grpuo rneriment, continuing sometimes well ,into the early hours of the morning. It was not • uncommon for

some in the office to suddenly exclaim, "Well, who won anywav?" It certaiply meant hard work for everyone. At one time a magic lantern was employed outside "The Chronicle," for the showing of progress repor^s, the board being med for final s oniv. Many were the impromptu items supphed bv members of the audien^e to maintain interest while results were awaited. Fei^our Diminished. Of recent years, '« however. the mass election fervour has abated considerably until todav there is little undue excitement. The broadcasting of meetings h as also left its ma.rk on the attendan^e a.t candidates' meetings, although there' are still thos° who like to be nresent to put their questions to t.he speakers, It is news now when a fracas develons, wherees in the nast it was all part and pa^cel of everv elect'on. •- The ooliee are stiU there to maintain law and order and seej "that "the sneakers haye a f^^rhearing, but largelv, and particularlv in this electorate; they have little wnrk to do. The older members of the police force often look hack on the davs when the active presence of constables in the hall- was most necessary for the soeaker's wellbeing if he hanpen«d to be in a bostile electorate, The patrolling nf election booths was also more than just rouhne. Todav there are verv few prosecutions arising out of general election behaviour. Police officers . say the change is very much for the better and a fnore seripus commonsense view taken during polling than ever ■ before.