ELECTION COURT

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1932, Page 6

ELECTION COURT

A BOMBSHELL FALLS,

(By Telegraph — ter tress Association)

MARTON, April 19.

A bombshell fell on the Election Court when it resumed this morning, when, with one exception, the charges of corrupt practice on the part of Alexander Stuart were withdrawn »y counsel for the petitioner, James Thomas Hogan.

The only case which remained was a charge that John Fyfe, an engine driver at Marten Junction, alter being compulsorily retired, was reinstated on Stuart’s representations.

Fyfe, in evidence, denied-.that tlie respondent had done anything more than give him a letter of introduction to Hon. Coates. The political leanings of witness were questioned, and lie admitted that lie had “certain sympathies with the Labour Party. Ho supported Stuart, however, because lie con.sdered him to be a -suitable man to represent the district in Parliament. “He turned a political somersault,” said counsel, to which the Chief Justice replied: “That is nothing. Plenty of people do that, and they are entitled to. This is a serious charge and we want something more than that.”

The remainder of the morning was taken up hearing A. M ay and F. Marlow. It was alleged they were paid organisers of Stuart and exercised their votes. W;ay admitted that he was paid as secretary by the Marten branch of the Reform Party, but when the Coalition was formed, the branch went out of existence and Way became honorary secretary to the Coalition Committee receiving no remunera-

tion. Marlow denied receiving payment