The result of the distribution brought the second candidate to the top of the poll, the final figures being as follows:—
2nd Candidate . . . 1,745 1st ,, . . . 1,620
West Australia
Where the more simple and straightforward instructions have been adopted, as in West Australia, it has been found that a larger percentage of the electors make use of the privilege of marking preferences. Here are the figures for the constituency of Claremont in the elections of 1908:—
First Count.
Foulkes . . . . 1,427
Briggs . . . . 825
Stuart . . . . 630
——-
Total . . . 2,888
When the votes recorded for the candidate lowest on the poll were distributed it was found that nearly 75 per cent, of his papers were marked with additional preferences. The numbers were as follows:—
Briggs . . . . . 297
Foulkes . . . . 174
No preferences . . . 165
—-
Total . . . 636
The final figures were as follows:—
Foulkes . . . . 1,601
Briggs . . . . 1,122