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Chronicle (Levin), 4 March 1947, Page 8

The trial of the petition lodged b\ Mr. H: Johnstone, National candidau at Raglan during the recent electioufe; wili commenee at the Supreme Courtj Hamilton, at 10.30 a.m. on Monday, April 14. The Cliief Justice (Sir Humphrey O'Leary) and the seiuoi puisne Judge, Mr. Justice Blair, wih preside. Following the election a Ivfagisteriai recount of tlie votes cast in Novcmber resulted in the majority obtained b\ Mr. A. C. Baxter (Labour) over Mr •Johnstone being reduced from 39 to 33. The recount was conducted before Mr S. L. Paterson, S.M. Mr. Johnstone also lodged a petition alleging that certain votes cast for hi,opponent were invalid through nonfullilinent of the residential qualilioa tions and for other reasons. Until th*. decision lias been given on the petition next nion th, the result in the Raglhn cohtest wil-l not lie (inal. It is reported from Hamilton that tlu. National .I'arty lias dissociated itseli from a circular whicli was recently sent to some electors in connection \yith the Raglan election petition, uecordiiig to tlie general seeretary . g. the party (Mr. T. G. Wilkes). He said it was sent out by registered post from Wellington aird sought inrormation from electors. Mr. Wilkes said the circular, whiel. bore Ihe address P.O. Box 971, Welling ton, OI, and was dated Fcbruary 2u, was as follows: "As you may- be awart, tlie National Party 's candidate foi Raglan, MrJlIallyburton Johnstone, ha.i lodged an election petition against th*. return of Mr. A. C. Baxter to Parliament. Your name appears on the ro 1 1 . and I am informed that von voted at the last General Election in November last. I am unable to traee you at the above address, and as it is most essen tial that I should know inimediateh your present address, I should be giad if you would reply by return mail, using the encloseil stamped aildressed 'envelope. If you have moved, would you be so kind as to advise your present address and the date on which you nijved from the address shown on the roll. " Mr. Wilkes said the circular had nbl been sent out by the National Party.