POLITICAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3104, 29 January 1909, Page 5

POLITICAL.

THAMES SEAT. RESULT OF BY-ELECTION. By Telegraph—Special to the Age. The Thames election to-day resulted as follows: — Taylor, Government 1,288 Lucas, selected Go- • vernment candidate 796 Rhodes, Governmei t 542 Deeble, Ouposition 518 Haselden, Opposition 473 A second ballot will be taken between Messrs Tavlor and Lucas. DUNEDIN NORTH PETITION. By Telegraph—Press Association. DUNEDIN, January 28. The election petition in connection with the Dunedin North seat yesterday came before the Election Court appointed to try the case, consisting of Mr Justice Williams and Mr Justice Denniston. Mr Solomon, K.C., and Mr Downie Stewart, appeared for the petitioner (Mr A. R. Barclay), and Mr Woodhouse and Mr Hanlon for respondent (Mr G. M. Thomson), and the Returning Officer (Mr D. Larnach) appeared in person. At the outset Mr Solomon, fur the petitioner stated that after due consideration of the lists of objections to votes put on both sides, and after a scrutiny of the roll.fwhich had been allowed by the order of His Honor, Mr Justice Williams, the petitioner's advisers had come to the conclusion that they could not establish his case, and v that he must in any event be in the minority of one, taking the most favourable view for him of the facts, and there were other votes which had been claimed by the respondent, and might be allowed him, which if allowed could only increase the respondent's majority. The 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 interests ot the public who had voted were concerned as well * as those of the petitioner, and respondent, the circumstances, should be explained, and the necessary evidence given to show that the petitioner was justified I in practically abandoning the petition.

The circumstances were explained by counsel for the petitioner, and evidence \v ,; >s given, after which the Court said it was satisfied that respondent (G. M. Thomson) had been duly elected, and the Court so determined 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. : . __

CABLE NEWS.

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