EAST COAST ELECTION.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 185, 17 July 1884, Page 2

EAST COAST ELECTION.

BBIBEBY AND COBBUPTION. BEES T. LOCKE. (Continued from our last.) W. Ratcliffe continued—Mr. P. E. Richardson was not a member to my knowledge. I never saw him with Mr. Locke. I accompanied Mr. Locke in his country meetings. I went to Ormond and Makaraka. I don’t know who hired the cabs to go out to those meetings. I heard no conversation between Mr. Locke and Mr. Ferris, relative to the election. I did not attend the supper given by Mr. Locke al Matawhero. I acted at/ clerk of the committee in Gisborne. I have not heard of any persons acting for Mr. Locke, excepting Mr. Mayo, of Wairoa, with whom we used to communicate, as also did Mr. Locke. 1 know a man named Brodie. He was not canvassing for Mr, Locke. He came and asked to be employed as canvasser, as did many others, but we distinctly refused them. I have not finally settled the’ accounts with Mr. Locke, I was not working for Mr, Locke before this election, I produce my diary from which I make up my charges for work done, I have had conversations with Mr. Locke and Mr, Brassey since I was served with a subpoena, at Mr. Brassey’s house. Mr. Brassey objected to the question as to what took place at his house, as it appeared unseemly.

His Worship allowed the question to be put. Examination Continued—Nothing was said about the expenditure, or the destruction of the mcmorando. I mentioned what I had paid to Paviour and McKay, and produced those receipts un the table. No mention was made about my employment.

C, W. Ferris deposed—l remember the recent election. I don’t know that I had any particular conversation regarding the election with Mr. Locke about the time of Mr. Allan McDonald’s resignation. I had no conversation about the election prior to my going up the Coast in the month of May. I went up on domestic arrangements. I was not canvassing for Mr. Locke. I was not asking anyone on that trip to vote for him. I have not made a trip up the Coast since May last. The whole of my arrangements have not been in favor of Mr. Locke, but of the present Government, against the Grey party. On my return from the trip I have no doubt I saw Mr. Locke. I see him almost every day. I accompanied Mr. Locke to various meetings held by him. I remember Mr. Locke’s meeting at Makaraka. I did not have any conversation with Mr. Beresford as to his supplying refreshment for any person on any occasion. On the night of Mr. Locke’s meeting I was in Beresford’s house. Liquors were not supplied free that I knew of or saw. There was not an open house. I paid for all I had—£2 ss. and £1 3s. for the drinks on the day following the meeting, I think. The 235. was for drinks had at other various times. Nominally I was on Mr. Locke’s committee. I attended once or twice. I went out to Makaraka in a brake. I paid for going out. I did not see Mr. Locke after the meeting. I went out with Mr. Locke to Waerenga-a-hika. After the meeting I went into the hotel and had a glass of beer. I did not go in with Mr. Locke. Mr. Murchie was at the meeting. I think he was one of three or four of us that walked away together after the meeting. I had no conversation with Mr. Locke respecting Mr. Ratcliffe’s duties as clerk. I heard that Mr. Ratcliffe was acting as Mr. Locke’s secretary when I came down from the Coast. I forget how much I paid at the hotel (Dinan’s), and have kept no account of the monies I have spent. On the day of polling I did not go out to Ormond. I was at Ormond on the day of the poll. I proceeded there on the Friday afternoon. My firm conviction is that I never asked one man to vote for Mr. Locke. I might have argued on his side. I did not go to Mr. Locke’s meeting as his paid canvasser, but merely as a friend. I don’t believe I gave a drink to any man on the day of the poll at Ormond until after polling time. 1 was not at Matawhero when a supper was given there. I wish I had been. I cannot recollect running up any other accounts for refreshment besides that at Beresford’s. I have not authorised the publicans to do anything. I had no conversation with Mr. Locke as to spending money in connection with the election. I cannot recollect whether Mr. Murchie was with me when liquors were supplied at Waerenga-a-hika (Dinan’s). The Court then adjourned for dinner, and on resuming at 7 o’clock Mr. Ratcliffe was recalled and deposed—l do not think lam justified in producing his books of accounts. The diary was written up at the times they are mentioned in it. I have a day book. The firm’s books of accounts contain the work done by us. Mr. Rees submitted that he had every right to have the books produced, as the memos, had been burned, and he had good reasons to believe that information bearing on this case could be gleaned from them. Mr. Brassey objected to the production of the books. Why should they be, when Mr. Ratcliffe had stated so clearly the matter on his oath ?

His Worship thought he could not make an order for the production of the books. Mr. Rees said that they ought to ba produced, as he had strong belief that they would throw a different light on the case. His Worship said he would not make an order until the following morning, as it was such a serious matter. Examination continued—The bank book and the day book, have no entries in them, referring to the election. Mr. Ferris has a diary for the business. I did not make a note of the £lOO and £lO. I simply put the money in my pocket. All the firm’s receipts go through the firm's books. The receipt of the £lOO and £lO was not a firms matter. I made those entries in the diary as a guide for myself, to show what I did on those days. To Mr. Brassey—Mr. Greenwood asked me to bring the diary back. I pointed out the entries in the book to Mr. Rees, having reference to Mr. Locke. Mr. Greenwood did not say what it was wanted for.

To. Mr. Rees—l paid the cheque for £lOO received from Mr. Locke into my private account in the bank.

C. W. Ferris, recalled—l keep a diary. I have no objection to producing the book I will get it at once.

M. G. Nasmith deposed—l remember going to the Mahia with Mr. Locke sometime early in June. I remember prior to that having a conversation with Mr Locke about the election. That would be early in May. The purport of the conversation was that I promised to support him in the coming contest. Mr. Locke mentioned that Mr. McDonald was about to leave the place, and I said if lie did leave, I would give him my support. Nothing was said about a loan of money. There was at a subsequent time. I then borrowed some money from Mr. Locke, which was purely a business arrangement.

Mr. Rees wished to know how much money was lent ? to which Mr. Brassey objected, because it had nothing at all to do with the £25, according to the information. Mr. Rees said he was now perfectly prepared for any obstruction made by the accused to shut out evidence. He was quite certain now that Mr. Locke’s statement that he wished to court investigation was an entire sham. If he was not guilty why did he not allow this evidence to be given instead of doing all tin i could be done to shut it out. AU lie asked for was to have the law administered fairly and uprightly. Mr. Brassey said they did wish to court investigation, and it was no sham. The law laid down by Mr. Rees this morning was a sham. They did not want to have private business introduced into tlie evidence. This information had been laid on rumoured statements. They did not know what they were specifically charged with.

After a very long argument his Worship said he must rule that the questions be answered. Mr. Brassey asked to have a note of his objection taken down, to which Mr. Rees objected. Examination continued—lt was a promissory note, discounted by Mr. Locke for £5O al four months, on the 27th of May. I had not applied to Mr. McDonald for assistance prior to bis leaving for Homo. I am quite certain of that. I did not say if McDonald would not help me, Locke would, but that I would have to support and vote for him doing it. I did not say I regretted that 1 would have to leave my own party. I told Mr.

Locke I was short of money, when I wanted him to discount it. I asked two or throe to discount it, and I then asked Mr. Locke and he said “ certainlv,” I priced Mr. Matulc

a.id Mr. Dufaur to do so. I may also have asked Mr. Malthewson to do on some previous occasion, though I would not be certain. I spoke to Mr. Mntthcwson for a loan previous to that, and he said he would not then do it. I did not mention anything to him about Mr. Locke. I am quite certain of that. I promised to support Mr. Locke directly after the last general election. I had spoken to Mr. Matthewson previous to my speaking to Mr. Locke. The second conversation with Mr. Locke was some considerable time after I desired the discounting of lhe bill. Mr. Locke did not ask me to accompany him to the Mahia. I tendered my services and he accepted them I was away a week. I paid my own travriiing expenses out cf my own monies. I received no monies other than the discounting the bill, nor any promises to receive money. I was not to be re-embursed for these expenses in any way whatever. It was either one or two days prior to starting for the Wairoa, it was arranged for Mr. Locke to accompany me. I think we started on a Friday previous to the second of June. Mr. Locke promised to discount the bill sometime previous to the 27th of May. It was discounted on the 27th. I asked Mr. Ratcliffe if Mr. Locke had anyone to accompany him to the Wairoa, because I would go with him being troubled with indigestion. He said “ No, but he would see Mr. Locke.” I received the money on the 27th and 28th May, but we did not arrange on either days to go to the Wairoa. We made the arrangement to go on the day previous to starting. I cannot tell what it cost me in travelling through, We returned the following Friday, the Gth of June. The Expenses would come to about £4 or £5. I had another cheque from Mr. Locke sometime in May in payment of a business account. I was present at a meeting with Mr. Locke and and Mr. Mayo at Wairoa, when something was said about the hire of a hall. I don’t remember anything else that was said. George Mayo (asked for his expenses, as he travelled 75 miles, but his Worship could not guarantee them) —I reside at Wairoa. I am an auctioneer, commission agent, &c. I do not remember coming through here to see Mr. Locke in reference to the election in the month of May. I did come through, but not on election matters. I saw Mr. Locke, but I do not recollect speaking of the election. M' 1 . Locke introduced me to Mr. Ratcliffe. I went into Mr. Ratcliffe’s office, and I don’t remember anything being said about the election. When I was up here I do not remember anything being mentioned between Mr. Locke and myself, with reference to my acting for him in the Wairoa. I received one or two telegrams from Mr. Ratcliffe, but not from the committee. I did not know there was such a committee in existence. I went with Mr. Locke to his meetings, and let him have my hall for his meeting at the Wairoa. I dare say I shouted for a crowd after Mr. Locke’s meeting at the Wairoa. I will not say I did not. I paid several things for Mr. Locke. I told him what I had paid, and he gave me a cheque to recoup me. He gave me a cheque for £l5. I believe that was the whole amount I received from him. I believe that was about the 4th of July. It was for the use of the hall for three nights, £3. I suppose that was before the 4th of July. I believe that it was. Then there was sending a messenger to Mr. Steele’s, LI. Then the hire of the schoolhouse at Mohaka, L 3. The schoolhouse at the Cup, LI. Messenger to Turiroa, 10s. Horse hire, L2. Trap to the Cup and ferries, LI 4s. Telegrams, LI. That is all. I have paid all except one item. I kept no other account of other monies. I don’t know how much I spent in “ treating.” After your meeting at the Wairoa I shouted for the boys. I remember having shouted for Deighton and Stacey on several occasions. I don’t think I told them that it did not matter much because it was not my money. I have not received a cheque from Mr. Locke or anyone else on his b.-half other than the LIS already mentioned. Ido not remember getting any money from Mr. Locke previous to the LIS cheque. I have my bank book, and there is no record of any payments in it. To the best of my belief I received none. I had no conversation as to reimbursements for the work that I did for him. I acted for him as a friend. On more than one occasion I think I shouted for over forty people after one of Mr. Locke’s meetings at the Wairoa. It is very likely. It is very probable I shouted for a large number after Mr. Locke’s departure. lam continually shouting. I don’t think I ever told anyone publicly that I was acting for Mr. Locke. Prior to the IGth of June I do not remember receiving any money from Mr. Locke, or any person on his behalf. I did not receive anything. I did not receive any assurance that any money would be paid. The Court adjourned at 9.45.

THURSDAY. Mr. Rees said the question arose yesterday as to the production of certain books. He submitted again that they could be produced, and the Court was to decide on the excuse made by the parties interested in those books. Mr. Brassey objected to the books being produced at ail. His Worship was of opinion that it was an entirely wrong thing to ask parties to produce their business books. He did not think it was right to compel business people to disclose their affairs by bringing in their books into the case. Mr. Rees said he would like to recall Mr. Mayo to produce the books he had in his possession. Mr. Brassey objected to this mode of procedure. Why was not this done when the examination in chief took place ? His Worship agreed with that, Mr. Rees still urged the matter, but his Worship ruled against him, and Mr. Mayo was allowed to retire. C. W. Ferris, recalled—l keep a diary. I have no objection to produce it. 1 produce it. There are no entries in it affecting the election up to the 31st of May, There are two entries on the 13th and 14th June to the effect that Mr, Whitcombe asked the Reesites at Ormond to go and have a drink, and that he said if Rees got in he would be his (Whitcombe’s) managing partner. I made those entries this morning. Mr. Rees objected to these entries. They were not made at the time, and the witness should be committed for contempt of Court. Examination continued—l have a private account at the bank, but one on which I could not draw £3. I have no recollection of drawing a cheque for more than £3 on my private account during the last month. I got money (£2O) from Wi Brown during the last month, and that is how I met my current expenses. I have spent none of this money in connection with the election. I have spent no money in connection with the election. Mr. Brassey again objected to these questions. They were going over the ground they had gone over yesterday, when evidence was then taken. Mr. Rees said he only wished to give the witness an opportunity of correcting another statement that he had made yesterday. His Worship did not think ho should allow these questions to be put again. Examination continued—On the afternoon of the polling day at Ormond, to lhe best of my recollection, I did nor say “ Locke’s the only man. Drinks all round.” at Currie and Hogan’s hotel. After the poll was closed, I was hoisted on the shoulders of people, and

then I shouted, not before. I paid for some of the drinks had. I don’t know whether I paid for all. I find I have an account at Currrie it Hogan’s made on the day of the poll, after the Poll was closed. I do not know the amount of the account. It has not been rendered. I believe I have a small account at Clement’s Hotel. I don’t know the amount of it. I don’t know whether I have accounts elsewhere, at Dinan’s or Cooper’s. [ The witness here again reiterated that he was not acting in any way as an agent for Mr Locke.'

E. J. Beresford, deposed—l am an hotelkeeper at Makaraka. I took possession of that hotel on the 3rd of June. I remember the night of Mr. Locke’s meeting. It was, I think, on the 7ih, the books will tell that. I am not quite sure whether I saw Mr. Locke after the meeting. 1 think I did see

him. A little shouting went on in the hotel. I had no conversation with anyone as to the payment of the drinks, either before the meeting or at the time. Captain Ferris told me ho would pay me for those he shouted

for. Several people shouted,- and Captain Ferris in his turn. Nobody else said they would pay me. I did not supply drinks to people without charging them. In the course of the evening money was tendered by person! for drinks, but they wore told to take it back* I told them to take the money back as Capt. Ferris was shouting, and I did not want to receive the money twice. I saw Mr, Locke when he arrived on that occasion at Maka* raka. I canndt say who was with him. Captain Ferris shouted three times. That would be about thirty drinks each time. I don’t think Mr. Locke shouted* I have rendered accounts, but none to Mr* Lbckli I have an account against him for the hire of the hall. I have got another account against Captain Ferris for drinks had on the night of the poiliug-dny, when he was returning to towfii , , S. J, Cohen deposed—l kept the Itoynl Oak Hotel at Matawhero in Juno last. I remember (I little dance given at Matawhero about the 12th of Juuej when Mr. Locke was there. A. supper was also given at the hotel* ■ Mr. Locke was at tho rupper. I supplied nd liquor for the dance, as there were nearly all blue-ribbon men. After the danco was over I asked Mr, Locke and Mr. H. Browne, and Mr. Harris to join me in supper at the hotel, which he did. It had not been arranged prior to have the supper. My Cook’s name is Ewbanks. Mr. Stevenson told me that Mr. Locke was coaling to the dance, and X said I would have a little supper ready on my own account. That was all the prepAra* tion. I did not tell Mr. Stevenson I had received instructions that the refreshments were to be good. Liquor was supplied at the supper at my own cost. Everything was at my own cost. I had no arrangement as to this being paid for at a future time, David Dinun deposed—l am an hotelkeeper at Waerenga-a-hika. I remember Mr. Locke had a meeting there. I remember Captain Ferris and Mr. Murchie coming to the hotel after the meeting. They both shouted for a number of people. I cannot say how many were there. They did not shout for all hands, and I cannot recollect the number they shouted for. I don’t remember any arrangements being made with Murchie for an account being kept for refreshments. Mr. Murchie instructed me to supply drinks to all present with the exception of a few, and to put them in his name. I have gave got an entry of it in my book on the 11th and 10th of June against Mr. Murchie, amounting to £4 4s. On the lith there is £3 12s. and on the 16th 12s. Those are all the items. The £3 12s. was for shouts on the night of Mr. Locke’s meeting. I have no entries against Mr. Ferris. I did not say that Mr. Murchie went out with Mr. Locke to the meeting. H. McKay deposed—l remember about the beginning of May being employed by Mr. Ratcliffe to address circulars for Mr. Locke. Mr. Locke’s name was not mentioned when I was engaged. Mr. Ratcliffe asked me if I would assist him in issuing the circulars, to which I agreed. Subsequently I found out they were for Mr. Locke. The circulars came round on the following day, and I proceeded with the work. Mr. Ratcliffe told me to keep an account of the work which I did. I have a copy of the circular, which I produce. Mr. Rees wished to have the letter put in as evidence. Mr. Brassey could not see the use of its doing it, because that took place before the writ was issued was issued, and Mr. Locke was not a candidate. Mr. Rees said that did not matter, whether it was before or after the writ was issued. Examination continued—When Mr. Ratcliffe employed me he told me the woik was not given me to influence my vote. lam an elector. I made a charge of £5 for the work. There were about 1600 or 1700 circulars. I have received £3 on account of the work. £2 is yet to come. J. Clements deposed—l am an hotelkeeper at Ormond. I remember a few days prior to the last election. Captain Ferris was then at Ormond. The election was going on at that time. I think I have some entries in my book against him. lam not certain whether his name appears in the book. I was in and out the house on the polling day. I think Captain Ferris shouted after the poll was closed. [Left Sitting.]