MASTERTON LOCAL OPTION PETITION

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 322, 13 January 1909, Page 2

MASTERTON LOCAL OPTION PETITION

3 U|SMI BY THE MAGISTRATES. By Telegraph—Press Association. fpt ■» r . , Wellington, Tuesdav. Mnsterton petition inquiry re,!""eil ''"is morning, when evidence was given at considerable length as to tho procession of motor cars on the morning 01 the poll Some witnesses were nosia "1., ''!' Hi!* 9aw tl,e profession after ■ odock. rhe cars were alleged to lie itti acting attention by blowing their and it was said that tlie first , ~ h e 1 >1,OI!or s'o» carried flags inscribed ''V ote for lio-liocnse " other witnesses for the 'petitioner* « Kged that the placards bearing such inscriptions as ''Mothers, beware of your boys," had been placed at different parts of the town, and had not been removed on polling day. Evidence was also given of certain alleged irreguanties at one polling booth, such a* the issue of second voting papers, tiro spoilt papois being retained and placed m sealed envelopes. [ The magistrates adjourned tlie proceedings to consider the position, and subsequently announced that the petition would be dismissed without canine on the other side to adducv any evidence. Costs of counsel, amounting to 20 guineas, were allowed, and witnesses' expenses according to scale.