Western Maori seat.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 March 1923, Page 3

Western Maori seat.

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AUCKLAND, Alareli 13

The hearing of the Pomaro election petition was resumed here this mornj |,. r . There was some discussion on the secrecy of the ballot in Maori elections. Mr Myers slate . no total lolls and :m ’I ; i l " Sv ' used. , ~ , Renata Arapcta. a latmc,. o. Uohe, slated in evidence that ill a conversation he had v.itli a storekeeper, nai.id Perkins, about food n.d motor cars, about noon on election day • 1,1 asked why Natives iad not been given food. Perkins asked whether the natives voted for Pomare. W lines- said “No”. Perkins said: ”1 '’.ill give no food.” Witness Inter got a letter w. irh stated that £33 had been sent to Li mby Sir M. puma re. Witness Admitted that tlu; mm who provided l„e motor cars wr.s a well-known farmer, and a man oi staiiiiing. Valentine Henry Hc-oilay, clerk to War mate West County Council, said that in October last thirty or forty Maoris were over £I2OO in arrears of rates. Tile chairman received from Sir 11. Puma re a letter saying the latter would like to discuss the matter. Pomare went to Mainiia on November otli. He wanted to get a reduction of rates and asked if they could not write oil two years' arrears, provided the balance was paid by February 28. The Council resolved accordingly. The Maoris did not want to pay, saying they would have a meeting, and discuss the matter. No part of the into.bad been paid. Thomas Alcl’hillips, County Chairman. said he considered Pomaro was looking at the matter from « business point of view. Part collection of rates from Maoris was difficult, and it was compromise. There was a big -stii among the Maoris "hen they got- , cony of a lien notice. They were frightened the land would be sold. Frank Perkins, storekeeper at Puke holio. gave evidence as to hiring car: which he paid for. Mr Skem-tt: On whose instruction: did you order the ears? Witness: “Alv own.” No one hat communicated with him in respect t> taking Maoris ,to the poll. He paic