OF LECTION IN TASMANIA. 81 



From this analysis of defective ballot-papers it will be 

 seen that only 49, representing 1*72 per cent, of all ballot- 

 papers, can be attributed to the Hare system ; and upon 

 the first introduction of any new system such a result 

 might naturally be expected. The defects of 55 papers, 

 representing 1*93 percent, of all ballot-papers, are of such 

 a nature as might occur under any system of voting. 

 Some of the defects might have been avoided if the 

 ballot-papers gave clearer indication where the preference 

 numbers were to be written against each candidate's name. 



If the preference number position were indicated by 

 a printed enclosing circle or square, and each name 

 separated by a clearly printed line, the defective papers 

 would be greatly reduced, thus : — 



Eighth Query. — Can you suggest any improvement in the 

 method employed ibr determining the results of the poll ? 



Answer. — The work of counting and determining the 

 results of the poll within, say, an hour of its close, might 

 be accomplished with ease and accuracy if the following 

 plan were adopted : — 



First.— Set a room apart for the counting staff— properly 

 safeguarded as regards privacy and scrutiny — adjacent to 

 the chief polling-room ; and let the work of sorting, 



