owing to the casualties in the war ... very few people to elect

[tllkt]

What does Tolkien say at 0:03? I think it's something like "owing to the casualties in the war there was, I think, sort of very few actual people to elect", while someone in the comment section transcribed it as "owing to the casualties in the war and various other things, there were very few people to elect".

 

[probus]

I think so, but he almost swallows the "the". It's very faint but still there. I also think such swallowing is characteristic of the old RP which Tolkien spoke and King Charles still uses.

 

[jutfrank]

Yes, the person in the comments section has it right.

 

[PeterCW]

Tolkien was noted for his indistinct manner of speech.