ECHO OF ELECTION

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1932, Page 5

ECHO OF ELECTION

RANGITIKEI SEAT ALLEGATIONS OF BRIBERY. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association) MARTON, April 18. The Election Court, for the trial of the petition of James Thomas Hogan against the return of Alexander Stuart, as member for Rangitikei, at the last election, was continued in tne Mnrton Courthouse to-day, before Chief Justice Myers and Justice Reed. Too remainder of the morning was taken up with the hearing of further witnesses, who allegedly resided in other electorates at the time of tiro election, but who voted in Rangitikei. There were nineteen further witnesses, either resident on, or near, the boundary or had left the district prior to the election.

In two cases objections were withdrawn, and in one case, the objection was ruled out by the Bench. There was nothing of an outstanding nature so far.

The whole' (afternoon was devoted to the hearing of evidence regarding the disallowed absentee votes. The Bench would not agree to scrtltlnfse the votes until evidence was produced that-the scrutiny was necessary, Mr Hogan’s scrutineer <at the Magisterial recount said that he objected to certain votes being disallowed. He admitted having agreed to bow to the ruling of a local bank manager in the cases where handwriting was questioned. The banker had ruled the votes out.

• The Chief Justice strongly criticised what lie termed breaking of an honourable. agreement by now coming forward and asking that these votes be allowed. Certain votes which had also been disallowed because a cross had been placed beside the name of the candidate whom the voter -desired not to vote for, were agreed to be eligible by petitioner’s counsel. At the adjournment the Bench had not given any instruction as to whether a scrutiny of the vote-s should he made. Less than half of the 8o witnesses who have been subpoenaed, have been heard so far.

To-morrow’s proceedings, when the bribery charges will be heard, promise to be more interesting.