OHINEMURI LICENSING PETITION.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10063, 3 February 1909, Page 1

OHINEMURI LICENSING PETITION.

(Pek Press Association.) Waihi, February 2.

Respondents in connection with the petition to void the Ohineinnri licensing poll concluded their evidence to-day. Some eighty witnesses have been examined. The evidence was' principally in contradiction to that given by the petitioners as to the crowded condition of the. poll, and violation of the secrecy of the ballot.

Mr Adams said he did not propose to call any more evidence.

Mr Skerrett notified that he intended to call rebutting evidence. Mr Adams asked on what grounds.

Mr Rkerett argued that he was entitled to call evidence affecting the secrecy of the ballot, and proposed' to call Constable .Driscoll in that respect. Counsel pointed out that no retrial could he held in. the present case, and in fairness and justice to the petitioners the evidence of Constable Driscoll should be admitted. He also proposed to call one or two witnesses to rebut the evidence in connection with wdiat occurred during the poll at special times during the day. Mr Adams objected to the application being granted, andi submitted that his friend should have been prepared to produce his evidence on all .points in connection with the petition. Mr Skerrett could not have been taken by surprise, as lie (counsel) liad not introduced any newmatter.

Mr Skerrett replied, and pointed out that it was impossible for him to have known to what times respondents'evidence was to be directed regarding the conduct of the poll. Counsel submitted' that very great injustice would be done to the petitioners.

The Court decided to hear Constable Driscoll's evidence only. Constable Driscoll stated that he, as the result of exposure and the crowded condition of the polling booth at- times, saw how at least thirty voters recorded their votes, but there may have been a greater number. The Court adjourned till to-morrow morning to hear the addresses of the respective counsel.