LICENSING ELECTION PETITION

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9360, 1 February 1909, Page 8

LICENSING ELECTION PETITION

Per Press Association

Waihi, January 30,

Evidence for respondents in the Ohinemnri licensing petition was given by Mr Nathan, returning officer, who denied that there was anv confusion in the booth or that the secrecy of the ballot was violated so far as he know He admitted that a number of people were excited bnt he saw nothing which tended to influence voters. There Was absolute secrecy at the official'count. It was the first poll be had conducted and would be the last. Mr Nicholson (chief deputy), Mr Nettlingham (scrutineer for the No-iiceuse party), •Mr Raeburn (licensing deputy), and Mr Smith (poll clerk), gave corroborative evidence.

HUTT PETITION DISMISSED. Wellington, January 30. The Court, comprising Dr. McArthur and Messrs Riddell and James (Stipendiary , Magistrates), gave judgment to-day on the No-license party’s petition for voiding the Hutt local option poll. In the opinion of the" Court the count conducted by the Returning Officer was not characterised by gross irregularity. Such irregularities as did take place did not affect iu any way the result of the poll. There was no evidence to connect the trade with the beer which a man had on a cart at Akatarawa when driving voters to the poll. This had no influence on the poll; there was nothing to connect the trade with the alleged treating of electors to liquor in a stable attached to a hotel. “Aftercareful and full consideration,” concluded the judgment:, “We have come to the conclusion that the irregularities committed did not affect the result of the poll. As to the votes of Jansen, Cameron and Nicholson, though on a scrutiny they might have been disallowed, yet as such disallowance would not affect the result of the poll, we consider it unnecessary to order a scrutiny. We determine that no proposal was carried and the petition is dismissed.” The Con reordered petitioners to pay respondents fifty guineas solicitors’ cost, with witnesses expenses and other charges added.