NO-LICENSE PETITION DISMISSED.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13877, 1 February 1909, Page 5

NO-LICENSE PETITION DISMISSED.

WELLINGTON, Jan. 30. The Court, comprising Dr. M 'Arthur and Messrs Ridd'eli and James, stipendiary magistrates, as, stated m the Herald on Saturday', gave judgement on the no-license party's petition for voiding the local option poll. 5 fn the opinion of the Court the count conducted by the returning officer was not characterised by gross irregularity. Such irregularities as did take place did not affect in any way the result of the poll. There waff" Ho evidence to connect ,the trade with the beer which ,a man had on a. 'cart .at . Akatarawa when driving voters to the poll. This had no influence on the poll. There Avas nothing to connect the ijradewith the alleged', treating' of. electors to liquor in a stable -attached to a hotel. "After careful and full consideration," concluded the judgment, "we have come to the conclusion that the irregularities committed did. not affect the result of the poll. As' to the votes of Janson, Cameron v' ; . and Nicholson, though on a scrutiny they might have been disallowed, yet as such disallowance would not affect the result of the poll we consider it unnecessary to order a' scrutiny. We determine, that no proposal was carried, and the petition >is- dismissed." 1 ,.. V ' .. „ '; The Court ordered petitidners to pay respondents fifty guineas, .solicitors' costs, with ' witnesses' expenses and other charges added.'