Mauku Riding Election.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 355, 22 February 1918, Page 2

Mauku Riding Election.

the Editor 1 Sir- -In canvassing for the above election"l find some of my opposition canvassers are seeking to discredit me for lodging the petition against the return of Mr Montgomerie at the recent poll, the reason aducod being that I opposed votes of soldiers at the front. I wish to say publicly that I am entirely in favour of soldiers at the frout being afforded means to record their votes for all elections in which they are interested. In fact if we who stop at allowed one vote I feel that the soldiers who have gone to risk their lives for us should have a double vote. But I do sav that when my supporters and I adhered s'rietly to the regulations and did not attempt to make use of one irregular or unlawful vote 1 certainly object to the other side taking advantage of means to which they were not entitled.

Keaders of the Court proceedings in connection with the petition, as reported in your paper, will be aware the evidence disclosed that in only one case was a vote recorded for a soldier at the front, all the other irregular votes being cast for other than soldiers' interests.

I consider the magisterial investigation as a result of my petition of considerable public benefit and I submit it will have the effect of causing future elections to be conducted with more care and will act as a restraint on enthusiastic supports attempting to poll votes which should not be allowed —I aui, etc . JOSEPH HENRY. Patumahoe, 20/2/18*