OHINEMURI LICENSING POLL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 8, 3 February 1909, Page 2

OHINEMURI LICENSING POLL

THE PETITION I'KOCEEDIXIiS. By Telegraph,— Press Associatiou. WiiiJiJ, Last Xiyljt. Kespomlent.s in connection with the petition to \\>id the Ohiiicmuri licensing poll concluded their evidence to-duy. Sonic eighty witnesses had been examined. The evidence was principally in contradiction to that given by petitioners as to the crowded condition of the 1 poll and tlie violation of the secrecy of the ballot.

Mr. Aihinis said lu> did not propose to call any more evidence. Mr. Skeriett notified that ho intended! to call rebuttal evidence.

Mr. Adams asked on what grounds. Mr. Skcrrett argued that he was entiled to call evidence allccting the secrecy oi' the ballot, and he proposed t;) ■re-call Constable DriseoU in that respect. Counsel pointed out that no retrial could be held in the present case, and in fairne.ss and justice to the petitioners till! evidence of Constable Driscoll should be admitted, lie also proposed to call one or two witnesses to rebut the evidence in connection with what occurred during the poll at special times during tlie day.

• Mr. Adams objected to the application being granted, and submitted I hat his friend should have been prepared to produce his evidence on all points in connection with the petition. Mr. Skerrett could not have been taken by surprise, as he (counsel) had not introduced any new matter. Mr. SUerrett replied and pointed out

that it was impossible for him to have 1 known to what lime the respondent's evidence was to be directed regarding tbo conduct of the poll. Counsel submitted that very great injustice would be done to petitioners if the application were refused. The Court decided to hear DriscollV evidence* only. Driscoll stated that lie, as a result of the exposure and crowded condition of the polling booth, at times snw how at least thirty voters recorded their votes, | hut there may have been a greater numI her.

• The Court adjourned till to-morrow morning to hear the addressees of respective counsel.