Mr Lyons's Bill of Costs.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18659, 7 April 1926, Page 8

Mr Lyons's Bill of Costs.

When the Court which' tried the petition of Mr McCombs against the election of Mr M. E. Lyons ordered Mr Lyons to pay to over £4oo—it was doubtless following strictly the principles of British law. Nearly everyone, however, must feel that in this case the law is harsh and unfair. .Mr Lyons was declared

elected by the responsible officers executing the law relating to elections, and it was not his fault that these officers made a mistake. He could not have been expected to resign the moment his election was challenged—that would have been absurd—and the only alternative open to him was to defend his election. He is now called upon to pay over £4OO for the perfectly honest mistakes of the public officials. We are sure that the supporters of the Reform Party will not care to see Mr Lyons bearing any part of this cost, but will be glad to contribute towards its discharge. This will be a practical way in which the supporters of Jlr Lyons, and his friends in other electorates, can show their appreciation of the excellent fight he made in Lyttelton, and their desire to encourage him to contest the seat again and win it decisively.