ELECTORAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 276, 1 May 1915, Page 4

ELECTORAL.

TOE BAY OF ISLANDS PETITION.

A CHARGE OF CORRUPTION.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Kaikolie, April 3flL The inquiry into the Bay xrf Islaifls petition opened before Justices Chapman and Hosking. "*

Sir John, Findlay, iu opening, pointed out that Reed had poled nearer a third than half the total votes in the 1014 election, while in a straight-out fight In 1!H1 Reed polled 2071 and Wilkinson 2488. Reed therefore had reason to fear that his chances of return would be greatly imperilled unless Wilkinson withdrew from the 1914 election, seeing that he had himself deserted from the Liberal to the Reform Party since 1811. At a meeting in April, IIU4, the Reform delegates chose. Wilkinson as the official candidate by thirteen votes to five. Subsequently, J. C. Wilkinson, a supporter of Reed, met Wilkinson, and, on behalf of Reed, offered him a seat in the Legislative Council if he retired, and the oder was never withdrawn up to November 30, 1014. Reed also made an alternative offer to retire himself In twelve months in favor of Wilkinson, if the latter would assist him in securing the seat at the general elections. Further, a few days before the election, John Jecentho, on behalf of Reed, approached Wilkinson's secretary, offering to pay all Wilkinson's election expenses if he would retire. The offer was: rejected. *■•

Sir John Findlay submitted that tfa» various offers and promises came distinctly under the definition of corrupt practices, which included bribery, treating and under influences. He quoted the case in which WiJford was unseated from the Hutt because he wrote to Seddon recommending the appointment of a man as night watchman. Only one vote was affected there, whereas' the retirement of Wilkinson meant hundreds of votes to Reed.

Sir J. Findlay stated in support of the contention that the principal was responsible for the corrupt act of tnT" agent, that he knew of not one Englitdi case in which the principal, even when entirely innocent of knowledge, was not disqualified from standing again during the whole term of Parliament. Sir John Findlay intimated that he might not pursue the other allegations in the petition.

In reply to Justice Chapman, he expressed doubt if the first two counts constituted penal acts. Ceorge Wilkinson stated that Johnston met him at Mangonui in May, 1014, and, on behalf of Reed, offered him a seat in the Council, with an alternative oiler from Reed to retire in favor of witness in twelve months if he (Wilkinson) would retire from the contest. Johnston also said lie came with Cabinet pledges and promises upon which witness could absolutely rely. Witness refused to entertain the alternative, and stated he could not entertain the Council promise until he had received the consent of his supporters to retire in Reed's favor.

Kaikohe, Last Night. On resumption this afternoon Sir #. Findlay announced that he did not proposo to proceed with the allegations relating $o the offer of the postmastership and money to Auatrians in return for their votes.

Mr. Wilkinson, continuing his evidence, stated that the council offer by Reed had never been withdrawn. Witness said that Johnson, referring to tha letter received by him (Johnson) from Mr. Massey, said the gist was that Johnson was not sent up by Cabinet authority to Mangonui. Cabinet had not given the matter any consideration. Witness said that the day after the meeting of the Reform delegates at Ohaeawai, Mr. Massey asked him (Wilkinson) which he would prefer—a seat in the Upper House or to fight the Bay of Islands election. Witness replied that he was not at liberty to accept any offer until released by the supporters to whom he was pledged. Witness explained that be did not consider the Premier's words amounted to an actual offer. Mr. Massey said:—"lf you have made up your mind to go on, I will see that justice is done." Witness did not communicate again with Mr. Massey in reference to the Upper House. Witness said he did not take Mr. Massey's offer in the nature of a bribe, but he certainly regarded Reed's offer as a bribe. Prior to th;» Ohacawai meeting Mr. Paape, the' Reform organiser, had advised him to accept a seat in the Council, which would certainly be offered. Hia candidature; was announced after a second meeting of delegates on June' 4, prior to which he had wired the Premier asking liim to decide about the choice of an official candidate.

Edward Saunders, a Kaitaia farmrr, said that Reed held a meeting at Kaitaia in November at which he" explained that Mr. Massey and Mr. Allen had denied in the House having made any offer of a council appointment to Wilkinson, and added that the offer was entirely his own. He had sent Johnson t<» Wilkinson, asking him to take "a seat in the Upper House and retire from the contest to avoid vote-splitting. ifo. (Keed) felt sure he could get the Beat for Wilkinson in the Council. Cross-examined, he admitted that Seed had suggested Wilkinson'a appointment to the Council owing to the nonrepresentation of North Auckland in that body.

U. T. Wrathall, a settler at Mangonui, gave evidence of the, use of similar words by Reed at Mangonui. Edward J. Samuels, an agent at Ornru, stated that he acted as Wilkinson's secretary. John Jacentho visited him in November, and made an offer that if Wilkinson would stand down all his election expenses would be paid, adding that be knew Reed would not stop at a very large amount to secure Wilkinson's withdrawal.

The further hearing was adjourned till to-morrow.