EDEN ELECTION PETITION

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1923, Page 3

EDEN ELECTION PETITION

YESTERDAY’S EVIDENCE. [by TELEGRAPH —PEP. PIIEBB ASSOCIATION] AUCKLAND, February 27. At the hearing of the election petition. Christopher James Parr stated in evidence, that ho attended a meeting at Glen Eden on November 3, and chatted with his supporters, lie suggested that those wiling to work for him should hand in their names. Levy was appointed secretary, and Shepherd chjairman. When he arrived at the (Hon Eden meeting, he found the room decorated. He asked: ‘‘Who has done all this?” Mrs Routley replied: “The women have pushed the men out to give you and Mrs Parr a soeid afternoon.'' It seemed a case of electors treating a candidate rather than a candidate treating electors. I’arr said that Shepherd took the chair as Chairman of the Town Board. He was emphatic on the point that it was a social and not a political meeting, arranged by women of the district. At a meeting on the evening of the -anno day, a strong political opponent. I Ininas, asked him: “Don you believe m bribery?” Witness replied: "Certainly not! What do you mean?” The questioner said: “What about the strawberries Ibis afternoon ?" Witness replied : “They were part ol a social given by the ladies of the dist riel to Mrs Parr and myself.” lie added that the ladies provided • ltd | aid for everything. I'mler cross-examination. Pan -aid he spoke not a word of tin!' > at the Glen Eden social. He was .i.- i;i-ii l.v Shepherd to say a few wo.'dx about social questions and to k" ver iiiel. Mr Qoartley: Had it oreurred to you that it might be dangerous? I’arr: Not for a moment. I took the assurance el Mrs Routley that women of the district had possession and had altered an ordinary meeting into a social, and also that they had organised the social as a compliment to Mrs I’arr. • Mrs Erickson, in evidence, said it was made clear that all arrangements for the social were in I lie hands of the ladies. She admitted that the ladies did not issue the imitation curds Nothing was said about Parr being the min to vote lor. In reply io tile judge. M' Ski-rret 1 stated that Id- va - charged L.t the llile of the hall. Witness said the eoninihtee hid arranged to pay lor the st ra w herries. I’arr continued that up : - the time of his arrival al Glen Eden he expected lo make an electioueei ing speech, and was .surprised to bud the room deem ated anil many ladies present,. Mrs Routley. who. with aucthci lady, met witness and Mrs I’arr at the door, said : "The women have pushed out the men. to give you and Mr- I’arr a social afternoon.’* Stic said it was more lor Mrs Pun. Shepherd. who presided (a- Mrs Koulley wasn’t used to public speaking) emphasised that it, was a social, and not a political meeting, arranged hv women of the district. Witness gave a non-party speech til the request of the chairman to sn\ a few words about social questions and to bo very brief. Had it been an attempt to influence votes he would have I ell it was a complete failin'*. Mr W. 11. Shepherd, evidenced that when the meeting first discussed it,

there was a feeling that a political meeting was not wanted, a social utternoon being preferred. IVrev Until Woods, recalled, said he railed on Levy three or four weeks alter delivering the strawberries and a-ked for payment. Levy said he couldn’t pay as they were in an awkward fix and there was going to be bother. He also aid that witness was supposed to make a present of them, and there was to he no receipt. Levytold him the money was up at Shepherd's. DKCIXION RESERVED. Counsel addressed tin* Court, which reserved it- decision to be given on Monday.

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