THE WESTERN MAORI SEAT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 151, 29 April 1909, Page 5

THE WESTERN MAORI SEAT.

I The petition which ha? bscn lodged on behalf of Pepene Ekeonc by Messrs Earl and Kent, in connection with the f recent election, is to be heard at Ham- ! ilton,before two judge < of the Supreme {Courton May* loth. j Speaking to a "Star" representative ' this morning, Mr Kaihau, who basrepi resented the Western Maori district ' for the last eleven years, said that i Pepene Eketone's chief objection was ! that the system employed at the ballot last election was not 'in accordance with the law. Since 1864, Mr Kaihau says, it has been the custom at Native elections for the returning officer to ask each Na'ivc on entering the booth, bis name, his tribe, and the name of the candidate for whom he desires to vote. The custom has been for the returning officer to enter up these particulars and to in many cases dispense with the need for ballot papers. The petition to upset the last election is based on the ground that ballot papers should have been used, and that the course of procedure employed had been irregular. "If this is so, it is no fault of mine," added the member for Western Maori. "As far as I can understand the election was carried out in accordance with the custom which has prevailed for years. If there has been any improper procedure, making the election invalid, then alt the other candidates will be in the same position as myself. Personally, I have no fear of the outcome of the second election, if it is necessary." Pepene Eke tone is equally confident both as regard the result of the petition and as to the result of a second election, should such become necessary.