RANGITIKEI PETITION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 93, 20 April 1932, Page 3

RANGITIKEI PETITION.

RESPONDENT'S CASE CLOSES. COUNSEL ADDRESSES COURT. SCRUTINY OF VOTES ORDERED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) MARTON, this day. The case for the respondent was concluded to-day in connection with the petition of James Thomas Hogan, Independent candidate for the Rangitikei seat at the last general election, who is seeking to upset the return of Alexander Stuart (Coalition) as member for the electorate, before the Chief Justice, Sir Michael Myers, and Mr. Justice Reed. Further evidence was heard dealing with other electors who exercised votes in Rangitikei while absent from the electorate beyond tho prescribed time. Counsel for respondent is now presenting legal argument.

Yesterday afternoon counsel for Mr. Stuart commented on the withdrawal of the bribery charges. He said they had been broadcast over the Dominion and must be damaging to his client. He (rusted that in the judgment the Bench would comment on the matter. Tho Chief Justice said: "So far as any t(legations of corrupt practice are concerned they have completely failed, in fact, have been withdrawn. There is nothing before the Court of corrupt practice whatsoever. Mr. Stuart can set his mind at rest on that point. After hearing legal argument the Bench ordered a scrutiny of the votes, and the case was accordingly adjourned to Wellington, where judgment will be given in due course.