WRONG DIRECTION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 125, 30 April 1925, Page 5

WRONG DIRECTION.

AIISTAKE ON BALLOT PAPES. (Per Presß Association.) AUCKLAND, April 29.

Some time after the opening of the poil this morning, consternation was caused among officials of tho main polling booths at the Town Hall by the discovery that ballot papers for tho election of city members of tho Harbour Board contained a wrong direction. The ballot papers were headed: “City of Auckland —election of three members of Auckland Harbour Board.” Then followed the names of nine candidates, tho voter being directed to place a cross against tho names of candidates for whom ho desired to vote. The number of the members to be returned for tho city is four, not three. Tho mistake was not discovered until about 9.30, or half-an-hour after the poll was opened. By that time 200 or 300 electors had recorded their votes. After the discovery was made the polling clerks were set to work marking out the word “three” and substituting “tour” in pencil. By thut time, however, it seemed probable that many of the eti'etors had obeyed tho erroneous instruction on their papers and voted for three candidates only. How n any did so vote will bo discovered when tbs papers arc scrutinised after the closing of the poll. It is considered inevitable that the result of this mistake will be a costly one, necessitating another election. Tho statement is made that it is certain one of the defeated candidates will have the election upset. FRESH ELECTION PROBABLE. AUCKLAND, April 30. Four vacancies on the Harbour Board are filled by Messrs Brookworth, Inder, Johnston ancl Murray. Owing to an error in the ballot papers a fresh election probably will be necessary.