HP34C battery polarity

[Zaphod]

Just received my HP34C from far away, thanks, I asked for the sub-carrier and sleeves to be sent without the knackered cells.

I need to know one basic important thing before assembling some batteries and actually playing with it.....

Are the batteries like this (i.e. Neg on the left of shot):


or like this (i.e. Pos on the left of shot):


Do people prefer Nicad or NiMH ? (I will be charging externally for obvious reasons)

Any other hints and tips gratefully received.