Western Maori Petition.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1923, Page 2

Western Maori Petition.

[BY TKI.KOKAIMI I’Kli CHESS ASSOCIATION.J AUCKLAND, March Hi. At the hearing of the Taurangn election petition Judge Hosking said of thirteen charges five had been abandoned. four voluntarily, and one on the suggestion of the Court. Of the remaining eight His Honour gave reasons why six should not he sustained. He would like to hear evidence on two remaining charges, these deal with the alleged threat to have a native interpreter’s license cancelled, and an alleged threat to replace natives by Europeans on certain public, works. Ilou Pont are and his secretary gave evidence generally denying the allegations. The Court held the two remaining charges were not proven. Argument is being heard on the question whether there has been such an abuse of the secrecy of the ballot as to justify the Court declaring the election void.

COURT'S COMMENTS. AUCKLAND. March lbIn its judgment on the election petition. by way of general comment, the Court criticised evidence in regard to many of the charges. The Court said the method in which it was got together might give an explanation. A cireular was sent mu in the name of Katana, beginning with a religious in--1 vocation, and it went on to ask for information concerning bribery connected with various matters, setting out particulars in detail. No doubt, that circular hud been discussed at various villages, and had caused a large amount of current gossip. No doubt- many people, who heard that gossip had taken it for fact. Otherwise the Court was at a loss to account for a good deal of the evidence that had been given, evidence that, on the face of it, appeared to lie without foundation.

The date for giving a decision in regard to tiic counter foils will he fixed at 'Wellington on April oth.