Tim Election at Chathams

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1923, Page 3

Tim Election at Chathams

i.ONO JOURNEY TO VOTE. AYEEUNGTOX, Jan. 1(1 The deputy-returning officer al the Chathanis has forwarded the Department here an interesting report on the voting for the general election. This was the first occasion, on which the Islanders had the privilege of voting at a -Maori or European and a licensing poll. The weather was line, and this gave electors residing at a distance a eli.nice to avail tliem.-elves of the new privilege. Some old people voted lor the first time in their lives, others for the first time for many years, and many young people for the first time since their coming of age. All seemed pleased that nt last they had in this respect been placed on an equality with the residents on the mainland. The majority of the electors rode many miles on horseback to the polling booths, some as far as ,'lO or -10 miles over unformed roads. One old gentleman walked eleven miles to the poll end eleven miles hack. Most of those mi the main island who were eligible to vote did so. The total number on ihe roll was 02, and only ten did not vote. Great interest was taken in the official results from the mainland electorates, which wore received by wireless, a privilege that was greatly appreciated. Although this was the lirst occasion on which many voted, it is interesting to note that there was not a single informal vote recorded. There was not a single invalid or doubtful vote. The result of the poll was: — T{. Macartney 6-1 •T. McCombs 1?