HUTT LICENSING ENQUIRY.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13337, 1 February 1909, Page 4

HUTT LICENSING ENQUIRY.

PETITION DISMISSED

(FRXBB ASSOCIATION TEUSOHAM.)

WELLINGTON, January 30

The Court, comprising Dr. McArthur and Messrs Biddell and James, Stipendiary Magistrates, gave judgment today in tho No-license party's petition to declare void the tlutt local option poll. In the opinion of the Court the count conducted by tho returning officer was not characterised by gross irregularity, and such irregularities as did take place did not nffect in any way tho result of the poll. There was no evidence to connect the Trad© with the beer which a man had in a cart at Akatarawa when driving voters to tho poll. Tins had no influence on the poll and there was nothing to connect the Trade with the aliened treating of electors to liquor in a stable attached to a hotel "After careful and full consideration," concluded tho judgment, "we have come to tho conclusion that the irregularities committed did not affect the result of tho poll. As to the votes of Sanson, Cameron, and Nicholson, though on a scrutiny they might have been disallowed, yet as such disallowance would not affect the result of tho poll, we consider it unnecessary to order a scrutiny. \Ve determine that no proposal was carried, and the petition is dismissed." The Court ordered the petitioners to pay tho respondents fifty guineas solicitors costs, with witnesses' expenses and other charges added.