of the candidates who have obtained the quota, and the number of votes polled for every remaining candidate, computed as aforesaid;[1] and shall then cancel the name of such one of the last-mentioned candidates as shall stand at the head of the smallest number of voting papers, and appropriate the same voting papers to the remaining candidate or candidates whose name or names stand next on such voting papers respectively, and so on, repeating such cancellation of the name remaining at the head of the smallest number of voting papers successively, and the reappropriation of such voting papers to the next candidate thereon respectively, until the number of candidates is equal to the number of members remaining to be elected; and thereupon the registrars shall declare and publish, as aforesaid, the names of such remaining candidates as have obtained the quota, and also of such of them, if any, as have obtained comparative majorities less than the quota, and so many of the said remaining candidates as shall, together with the candidates who have previously obtained the quota of votes as aforesaid, be sufficient to make up the whole number [654] of members to be chosen, shall, upon the receipt of the registrar's certificate, be returned as members to serve in Parliament, by the returning officers of the constituencies of which they have respectively polled a majority or majorities of votes as hereinbefore provided;[2] and if, upon such distribution by the registrars, it shall appear that two or more of such candidates having comparative majorities as aforesaid less than the quota, have polled an equal number of votes, and cannot both or all be returned as members
- ↑ If the plan suggested by Mr. Dobbs (General Representation, &c., Longmans, 1872, 2nd edit.) be adopted, empowering the candidate to transfer his surplus or deficient votes, where the elector shall indicate his wish to that effect, by using a special or transferable voting paper (see p. 124, ante), the following provision might be here introduced:—[The registrars shall then collect the unappropriated voting papers whereon the electors have directed that the same shall be transferable, and shall compute and publish, as aforesaid, the total number thereof, and the names of the candidates authorised to transfer the same, and the number they are respectively empowered to transfer; and shall appropriate such votes to and among the candidates in such manner and proportion as shall be directed in writing, signed and attested in the presence of one of the said registrars or his deputy, by the respective candidates empowered as aforesaid, within (24 hours) from such publication ; and the registrar shall then publish as aforesaid, the names of the candidates, if any, who have obtained the quota by such last-mentioned appropriation; and the names of the candidates still having less than the quota, and the number of voting papers at the head whereof they respectively stand.]
- ↑ Clause XXII., p. 166.
