WAIRAU ELECTION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 72, 23 March 1912, Page 9

WAIRAU ELECTION.

PETTTIO-. DISMISSED. NO CHARGES SUSTAINED. PETITIONERS TO PAY COSTS* <By Telegraph.— Press Association.) BLENHEIM, this day„ In the Election Court to-day Mr. Justice William* delivered judgment in the petition against the return of Richard MeCallum as member for Wairau. The judgment is of a lengthy nature. His' Honor said counsel for the petitioners endeavoured to prove charges by means of witnesses who proved either hostile or adverse. The treating art Grovetown and Akanamio was not done with corrupt intent, and the liquor at Grove-road was not there with the MeCallum brotheri. consent. The charges re the hiring of vehicles presented some difficulties, but McColhim'a version of tho transaction was accepted by the Coiirt. He 'believed he never intended to pay for tbe use of the vehicles. Regarding the charge that the election expenses exceeded the amount allowed by statute, there was no evidence tbat they did. As to the charge of paying or promising payment to Morrison fcr working for MeCallum at the second "ballot, petitioners' case was supported by unsworn statements and suspicious circumstances, and respondents by sworn testimony. The charges were dismissed, and petitioners were ordered to pay the costs.