HAMILTON VOTING

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20496, 12 May 1938, Page 10

HAMILTON VOTING

DISAPPOINTING POLL FIFTY PER CENT VOTED COMPARISON WITH 1935 The total number of votes ca6t in the Hamilton municipal elections yesterday was disappointing, as although a record was. established, only a fraction over 50 per cent of those eligible exercised their franchise. The interest shown by the large crowd that awaited the results was not reflected in the number of votes, as only about 100 more than in the 1935 elections were recorded. The polling started off very promisingly but throughout the morning it was not maintained and up till 1 p.m. not quite half the number of votes as for the same time in the 1935 elections were cast. From noon onwards, however, there was considerably more activity and, assisted by particularly busy Intervals between noon and 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. until closing time, the afternoon easily made up for the slow tempo in the morning. For the mayoral elections in 1935 there was a triangular contest, Mr J. R. Fow, the sitting Mayor, polling 2595 votes. Mr T. Parker 2237 votes, and Mr C. Lafferty 583 votes. Including declarations the total poll last election was 553 4, while the estimated total for the elections yesterday was 5624. With declaration votes allowed y it is certain the increase will not be many over 150. There were 88 persons on the staff at the various booth* in Hamilton