UNIQUE ELECTION CONTEST

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 4, 29 January 1909, Page 2

UNIQUE ELECTION CONTEST

TliE DUNEDIN NORTH SEAT. THE END 01' THE PETITION PROCEEDINGS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dimedin, Last Night. The election petition for tile Duncdiu North seal came before tile Election Court appointed to case, consisting of their Honors Mr. Justice Chapman and Mr. Justice Dcnniston. .Mr. Solomon, K.C., and Mr. W. Dowmo Stewart appeared for the petitioner, .Mr. A. R, Barclay, and Mr. Woodliouse and Mr. Ilaulon for respondent. Mr. G. M. Thomson and the returning ollicer (Mr. D. Larnach) appeared in person. At the outset, Mr. Solomon, for petitioner, stuled that after due consideration of the lists of objections to the votes put on both sides and after a scrutiny of the rolls which hud been allowed by order of his Honor Mr. ,Justice Williams, petitioner's advisers had come to the conclusion that he could not establish his case and that he must in any event be in minority by one, taking the most favorable view for him of the facts, and there were other votes which had been claimed by respondent nnd might be allowed him, which, if allowed, could only increase respondent's majority. Petitioner therefore proposed not to call any evidence, and to agree that Mr. Thomson should be declared duly elected

The Court considered that this being an election petition where the interest* of the public who had voted were coneerued, as well as iho-e of petitioner and respondent, the circumstances should be explained and necessary evidence given to show that petitioner was justified in practically abandoning the petition.

The circumstances were explained by counsel for the petitioner and evidence was given, after which the Court said it was satisfied that respondent. O. M. Thomson, had been duly elected, and the Court would so determine and would certify to the Speaker of the House accordingly.

This ended one of the. most unique and peculiar election contests which has ever taken place in the Dominion.