LOCAL OPTION POLL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 443, 5 December 1908, Page 3

LOCAL OPTION POLL.

The Masterton Recount.

Masterton, December 4,

The recount in connection with the local option poll was commenced and finished to-day before Mr W. P. James, S.M., who was assisted by Mr Holmes, Clerk of the Magistrate’s Court, Wellington. Messrs W. Pownall' and J. Bridges were present as scrutineers on behalf of the Licensed Victuallers and the No-License part} 1, respectively. The bench refused to allow the appearance of counsel for either of the parlies, and there were m all some 5400 odd votes to count. The business lasted about five hours, and the result of the count is that No-License still remains carried, but by 1 4-sth votes fewer than in the last official reckoning, the majority being reduced from 33 x-5 votes to 32 2-5. On this last count Continuance was docked 11 votes, Reduction 18, No-License 21 votes. The informal votes were raised by 29, while the total number of valid votes was reduced by 32. A number of votes which were recorded by deaf, blind, or otherwise physically incapable voters were annulled because the voting papers were only initialled, and not signed in full by the Returning or Deputy Returning Officers in charge of the various booths. The Act requires that such names shall be signed full. The following are the revised figures :

Continuance ... ... 2xoo Reduction ... ... 2504 No-License ... ... ,3266 Informal ... 101 Valid votes ... ... 5391 No-License carried by 31 2-5.