ELECTION FORGERY

Hokitika Guardian, 15 July 1932, Page 6

ELECTION FORGERY

RETURNING OFFICER CHARGED.

(Per Press Association — Copyright.)

CHRISTCHURCH, July 15

William Thomas Lindsay, former clerk of Waipara County Council, was charged before Magistrate La,wry, that on May, 11th., being a returning officer, he forged voting papers- in connection with the polls, for Hurunui and Waikari Ridings. The police said when interviewed, the accused admitted destroying certain ballot papers and substituting others. Detective .Sergeant O’Brien, who prosecuted, said that the informations were laid under section 47a of the Local Elections and Polls Act. Accused had been County Clerk for seventeen years- and acted as returning officer during that period at the -recent county election. Accused had charge of Waikari arid Hawarden booths. The firstcount showed that Cowie and Black were elected, but at the official count it Was • shown till at-they had been defeated. When interviewed, accused ad_ mitted he ' had destroyed the ballot papers in favour of these two candidates, and had substituted others m favour iof their opponents. \■■ . Accused’s statement to the police r6a< i—“l have been very worried and wish ter save anyone any further trouble. The temptation came to me' suddenly to allter. the papers. I waS< much distressed at the thought of all.) thle Council ffieh 'being cleared out off thieir positions, as the elected candidates .had I believe intimated their intention to make a clean sweep, that is Messrs Cowie aoct Black, No othiei person; had anything to do . with this matteii nor were they anvare I was doing such a thing.” Accused pleaded guilty to the charges of forging voting papers and was committed for sentence. Bail of £250 and one surety, of £250 was allowed.!