AN ELECTION SENSATION

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 277, 13 April 1911, Page 5

AN ELECTION SENSATION

A SUCCESSFUL PETITION. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, April 11. After six day's hearing, the Exeter election petition has been decided in favor of Mr. H. E. Duke (Unionist), who has been declared elected by one Tote. The scrutiny was most exciting, and the fortunes of the candidates veered about until to-day, when the parties started level. Mr. St. Maur's tally clerk admitted having been paid for his services, and his vote was disallowed, thus giving the election to Mr. Duke. At the recent election Mr. St. Maur won the seat by four votes. IX>SER ATTACKS THE JUDGES. BOTH SIDES FOR CLEAN FIGHTING. Received 12, 11.15 p.m. London, April 12. Mr. St. Maur, when quitting Exeter,! Speaking from the railway carriage, said that "When the town is purged of the class of people responsible for the petition, and the country cleared of unjußt judges, we shall meet again." . Someone touched Mr. St. Maur on the shoulder, and, looking round, he saw Mr. Justice Ridley, who said, "You have no right to say those things of me." Mr. St. Maur replied that he had a perfect right to express his opinion. Other heated words were exchanged, and Mr. St. Maur's sympathisers jeered Mr. Ridley. Meanwhile, the latter had reseated himself, and was absorbed in his newspaper. < Mr. St. Maur concluded his speech, saying that when, before long, he was returned to the House of Commons, considerable. notice would be taken of the Exeter case. Mr. Duke, addressing the Constitutional Club at Exeter, said an overwhelming majority on both sides was determined to have clean fighting." Neither party was responsible for city men devoid of political morality. He hoped constituents would enter any future fight Vith persona] goodwill towards every straightforward opponent.