THE WAITOTARA PETITION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1725, 5 December 1887, Page 3

THE WAITOTARA PETITION.

Wanganui, December 3.

Peter Hogg continued: — Did not remember paying for any drinks daring the hours of polling. After the close of the poll, when respondent's return was certain shouted for all present, many of whom were strong supporters of Mr Bryoe. Did not say after shouting—" There goes the last of George's notes." Mr Bell was proceeding to re-examine as to treating on days other than the polling day, when Mr Tr&vers raised the point whether, under the New Zealand Act treating on days other than the polling day waa a corrupt practice. After considerable argument the point was reserved. Mr Hogg's re-examination being continued, he eaid he did not remember shouting for anyone after respondent's meeting at Turakins, but remembered having a " shilling m." Respondent gave him very definite instructions not to^compromise him to the extent of a single sixpence. Wm Burch remembered Mr Hogg shouting for him and for three others on polling day. He pulled a note out of his pocket sajing — "This la the laat of old George's money," referring to respondent, Alex. Simpson, an elector, saw Mr Hogg at Turakina on polling day. Saw him shout for all handa. Saw him at the Ben Nevis hotel, Turakina, on the occasion of respondent addressing the electors. Had a dring on that ocoaslon at respondent's invitation. W. Bobs aooompanled respondent to Keriori, a two days' journey on horsebaclr. Took a dozen of whisky to Eeriori. Respondent addressed the meeting on j Saturday evening. After the meeting a ■ bottle of whisky was produced, and all had a drink. Neither respondent ror Mr Pieroy was pres nt when the whUky waa ' produced. Htd ion© what he oould to ' eeoare respondent's return, but had not ' been promised anything by respondent. Had made a remark after the election < that be would stick respondent up for a ' billet. Had not received any fcppolnt- > ment. In crota-examination, witness said that Hezalden, a supporter of Mr Brycp, had Binoo the election three or four times asked witness if he was not well paid for working for respondent. Told Hazalden that he (witness) w?b not promised any reward for what he had done, but he thought he would stick respondent up for a billet. At the third interview, Hazalden eaid he had been speaking to a prominent supporter of Mr Bryce, and advieed witness to go to this suppoiter, and confess everything, and that he would be well paid. Andrew Graham was at Keriori when respondent addressed the electors there. After the meeting Pierey brought m whisky, and eaid—" Heie boys help yourselves." R. P. Bethbrldge saw Hogg at Turakina on polling day. Bogg shouted for him. On cross-examination wltneaa said Hogg and he were old friends, and had a drink whenever they met. Witness was a supporter of Mr Bryce. Hogg knew that. F. O. Kuox saw Hogg at Turakina on polling day, Saw him drinking with several others. Saw Hog? pay for drlnko. Saw respondent and Hogg at Turakina after respondent's first meeting there. Heard Hogg ask respondent for money. Respondent pulled out a sovereign case, and handed Hogg more than one coin. There waa some shouting, but oould not say who shouted. William Simpson remembered the Incident. Hogg cime out of the hotel, and said to respondent — " Have you got any money boss." Respondent pulled out a case and gave Hogg several coirs. Charles Oameron saw Hogg at Turakina on polling day. Had a drink with him on Saturday. Hogg paid for the drink. During the eleclon saw Hogg treat a good many people, Respondent Bbouted for witness and another on one occasion during the election On the Saturday before polling day Hogg had a roll of notes. He pulled them out to pay for drink. On cross-examination witness said he would not swear that It was on the 10th or 17th that he saw Hogg pull out the roll of notes at the hotel at Turakina. J. Piercy accompanied respondent Into Keriori. They took a dcz n bottles of whisky to Keriori. He presumed respondent paid for the whisky. Sent six bottles into the room after the meeting. On crossexamination witness said the weather was very severe on the journey to Keriori. Snow was falling at the time, and stimulants were necessary under the circumstances. Alexander Montgomery attended respondent's meeting at Opokongaro. Had drinks after the meeting, with others, at respondent's invitation, Mr Bell said that the charge that men .at Watson's station at Keriori had been paid expenses incurred m attending to yote would be withdrawn unreservedly. There had been a mistake which he muoh regrettod. The Court adjourned to 10 o'olock on Monday morning Wakoanui, December 5. This morning Walter Morgan swore that Peter Hogg treated witness and several others to drink on polling day at Turaklna. Did not flee Hogg pay for drinks. Witness waa not a voter. Crossexamined : Waa an old acquaintance of Hogg'B James Hogg, faimor, gavo corroborative evidence as to hearing Peter Hogg address a question to respondent on the evening of the meeting addressed by the latter at i Turakina, and to eeeirg respondent hand Hogg two or three gold coins. \ Alfred Barlow, who acted ai scrutineer for respondent m one of the polling booths, had reoeived no money from • respondent for his services. Had never shown a pound note, Bay ing it was from 3 respondent for services on election day. A. B, Pyemoiit, alleged to have been 3 treated on polling day,' admitted treating ? several acquaintances In the ordinary way 1 on polling day. He sent a buggy for two or three voteri.