Westera Maori Seat.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1923, Page 3

Westera Maori Seat.

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AUCKLAND. Alarch 15. Tupito Marueni gave evidence ih.ai at a meeting held near Wanganui m September, he had suggested that Rntiinn's son should he set aside as he had not the same capacity to deal with law matters as Pomare. He denied that lie had actively advanced I’o-

mine s i-iuiso. Tamiuiknau Rnwiri, of Thames, "ho. it was alleged in the petition, received e:;; front Pomarc to meet expenses in-i-urreil in his behalf, "'ns subjected to a lengthy examination. He admitted that, on the election day. he had paid £•- for one ear to convey friends of Pomare’s because the latter had treated him well in regard to Ins land. He denied giving an order for fourteen people to have a meal. He denied having stated to other natives that he had done so. Tt "'as a fabrication. Counsel was given leave to question witness as to the people he spoke to. and what he said. Mr Skorrett said that he could only bring another witness to s.u Tlauiii had stated he had received this money, but he could not prove that Pawna had actually received it. Justice Husking said that the Court would take the responsibility of rejection- t?;o evidence on this charge. This therefore disposed of the charge that

I the respondent gave JRawirl 23" in orI der to induce him to assist in his can- ] didature.

J Afv Skerreti said that the petition ' was also abandoning the charge that the respondent, through an intermedi- ! ary. gave a bottle of beer to an elee- ! tor. A charge in relation to the Star j Hotel at Tauranga. that Pomare was I concerned in the provision of drink ! would also he dropped, a- would an nl- ! legation that respondent used undue j influence, either by himself or his agi out, in order to induce certain em- ! ployeos at Muir goldmine, Tepnke, to : vote for him.

| For the respondent. Afr Myers soli- , i initted that there was no evidence necessitating him answering any of the j charges remaining. j | Afr Justice Husking: AVhnt about : ■the payment for the cars? i I Afr Myers contended that agency had ] not "been proved. As regards the hir- ! ing of the cars at Pukekolie, Perkins I had admitted that he was guilty of j illegal practices, hut these ears were | not the subject of a charge in the • j petition. Justice Hosking said that. I probably, tin's was a matter which the I Court would have to report upon, as j j the public was concerned. As regards l the supply of food at Pukekolie, lie | I submitted that no offence had been I ! committed, and no agency had been os- j j tahlished. Regarding the reinstate- j 1 ment of men on railway works, this j jat most, was a trivial offence. All that j ' Pomare had done was in the course ol j duty as Minister representing the Nal live race urging that the men he reinstated. j Justice Stringer remarked that, it | j this were wrong, it would mean that , during an election, a Minister would have to cease functioning a- such. Pomare was also doing a proper tiling, as a Minister, when lie called a conference of parties concerning arrears of i rates. As regards the threatened exclusions i from the lists of the owners of lands these charges were absurd. The charges i were not against Pomare. but against his agents, and the attempt to prove agency had failed, even if allegations were true. , The ease was adojurned till to-mor-row. j