POLL VOIDED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 139, 14 June 1935, Page 14

POLL VOIDED.

WASPUKURAU HALF-HOLlDAY-magistrate's JUDGMENT. —— — ~ i (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) HASTINGS, Thursday. "I determine that irregularities so materially affected the result of the poll that the poll is void," stated Mi'. J. Miller, S.M., in "his written judgment in the Hastings Magistrate Js Court to-day on a petition to upset the poll on the half-holiday question i\\ Waipukurau on May 8. The poll showed a majority of spven votee in favour of Wednesday. "The result of my finding is that so many votes of those set out under the heading of bodies, corporate, etc., have been rendered nugatory," said Mr. Miller, "that it would be unfair if these important bodies with .so much at stake are denied votes. A fresh poll is therefore desirable."

Regarding the provision enabling electors whose names have been inadvertently omitted from the roll to A'ottafter making a declaration, it was stated that the returning officer refused to allow the scrutineers to see the declarations on the ground that it would infringe the secrecy of the ballot. "I am of opinion that the scrutineers were entitled to inspect the declarations," said the magistrate, who continued that he was obliged to disallow two votes thus recorded.

The judgment referred to the return* insr officer's action in waiving the obligation' upon- electors representing corporate- .bodies tb produce their authority, and the magistrate flaid it was imperative •tli.it the authority should be produced.