In this Schedule (1) the expression 'continuing candidate ' means any candidate not elected and not excluded from the poll at any given time; (2) the expression first preference ' means the number 1 set opposite the name of any candidate ' the expression 'second preference ' similarly means the number 2, the expression 'third preference ' the number 3 and so on; 247 (3) the expression 'next available preference ' means the second or subsequent preference recorded in consecutive numerical order for a continuing candidate, preferences for candidates already excluded being ignored; (4) the expression 'unexhausted paper ' means a ballot paper on which a further preference is recorded for a continuing candidate; (5) the expression 'exhausted paper ' means a ballot paper on which no further preference is recorded for a continuing candidate; provided that a paper shall be deemed to be exhausted in any case in which (a) the names of two or more candidates whether continuing or not are marked with the same figure.