EDEN SEAT.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17700, 28 February 1923, Page 10

EDEN SEAT.

PETITION AGAINST MR PARR'S RETURN.

CASE FOR THE DEFENCE.

(PHESS ASSOCIVTIOS TELEQBAM.)

AUCKLAND, February 27

The hearing of the Eden election petition was continued this morning, when the petitioner's case was closed, subject to the appearance of a witness who had been subpcenaed but did not attend.

Mr M. A. Johnstone, in opening the case for the defence, submitted that never before had an election petition been made on such iinisy grounds in regard to the AvondaJe charges, which ■were witndrawn. Not one word of regret had been expressed for making such damaging allegations without a. foundation. In the Gien Eden allegations, counsel had submitted that petitioner should withdraw the charges cf personal corruption aiming tlie Hon. C. J. Parr, but as that had not been done, Mr Parr would go into the \vit> nes-box and tell the Court that he had absolutely no knowledge of t:,e p oc.edings at Glen Eden until he went there on the afternoon of November 2oth, intending to addre;s a political meeting. Further, that on November 4th, one day after the committee had been set up at Glen Eden, he wrote expressly stating that his committee was not to enter upon any monetary contract without his psrsonal sanction. Oounsel submitted that it was absurd to suggest that the supply of a few strawberries was done from any corrupt motives. He would submit strong evidence to shew that it was not done for political purposes, but was only reasonable hospitality. Mr Parr's Evidence. Christopher James Parr, in evidence, said he had arranged to address a ladies' meeting at Glen Eden. He knew after November 25th that Mrs, Parr received an invitation. He was to open the Henderson Show that afternoon, and Mrs Parr accompanied him. Up to the time of arrival at Glen Eden he expected to make an electioneering speech to last an hour or an hour and a-half. Mrs Boutley and another lady received him at the door, and he was surprised to find the rooro decorated and many ladies present. He asked: "Who has done all this?" Mrs Eoutley said: "Oh, the women have pushed the men out to give you and Mrs Parr a social afternoon." She said it was more for Mrs Parr. He expressed his pleasure and thanks. Shepherd, he said, took the chair as chairman of the Town Board, since Mrs Boutley was not accustomed to public speaking. He was emphatic on the point that it was a social and not a political meeting arranged by the women of the district. It was more of a compliment to Mrs Parr than anything else. Witness heard Mrs Parr say to Mrs Eoutley: "It is very good of you to get np this social for me." Witness gave a non-party speech. It was incorrect to say Mrs Parr was introduced to only a few women present. In the evening witness gave a fighting speech in the same hall to a mixed audience. A strong political opponent asked him: "Do yon believe in political bribery?" Witness replied: "Certainly not. What do yon mean?" The questioner Baid: "What about the strawberries this afternoon?" Witness contended in reply that these were part of the social given by the ladies of the district to Mrs Parr and himself. He added that the ladies provided and paid for everything. "I did not and will not pay for anything. I think the suggestion is contemptible." ■ Eeplying to Mr Quartley, witness said he spoke at the request of Shepherd to say a few words about social I questions, and to be very brief. ! Had it occurred to yon it might be dangerous?— a moment. I took the assurance of Mrs Koutley that the women of the district had taken possession and had altered the idea of an ordinary meeting into a social, also that they had organised the social as a compliment to Mrs Parr. I was very gratefuL That was the Reeling I had. Had you a good hearing?— Yes. I felt I was not the host, but a guest. '- You had a favourable atmosphere in which to speak?—l will not say that, not that the ladies did not wish to hear me, but it was a social, and they chatted mostly. I did not get so attentive a hearing as I usually get. There was a lot of talking, and three or four babies. "

Mr* Justice Hoaking: I suppose they said: "We" have heard alt that before. He does not say anything new." Witness: Very likely. Mr Quartley: If they heard it before, where did they hear it!—l do not know.

Mr Justice Hosking: That is the kind of remark that might be passed. Witness: If I had been attempting to influence votes, I would have felt it was a complete failure. It was a social gathering, and I was really a performer.

Other Testimony. Mrs Erick'son gave evidence that at the conversazione she understood all the ladies knew it had been organised by the ladies of the district. It was common knowledge on the "great afternoon." There was a big gathering oi\iadies. Pianoforte soios, two suiiga, and a recitation were given. All the ladies present understood the social was for Mrs Parr, and it was given by tho ladies. The washing-up was done b"y-the ladies, witness assisting. At the preliminary "meeting she rememberod that Levy came in to see his wife. Mrs Eoutley asked Levy -if he would order strawberries, and he made a note of it. They had a fair idea of what tbe fiuit would cost. It was to be the only expense, since everything else would be given free, including the

cream, which was to be sent by the \V S *H Shepherd, orchardist, said that when the afternoon meeting was first discussed, Levy said Mr Parr was quite willinc + o address a women's political meeti'Vou November 25th, but then was a feeling that a political meeting was not wanted, and that a social afternoon was preferred.- Witness i knew of a leter to Mr Levy that there ' was to be no incurring of expenses, and ! pointed out to the meeting that Mr Parr's election committee could not spend any money, but if the ladies would take over the running of the meeting he would be pleased. Witness went to the ladies' committee meetine because he thought it his duty, and two ladies at least asked him to give them a start. Percy Emal Woods, recalled, said he called on Levy three or four weeks after delivery of the strawberries, and asked for payment. Levy said he eo<ild not pay as they were in an awkward fix and there was to be bother. He also said that witness was supposed to make a. present of them, and there was to be no receipt. Levy told him the money was Shepherd's. Addresses by CoimseL Mr Skerrett, in his address, submitted tbat payment by the ladies was a legal disbursement, it was clear Mr Parr; did not himself provide or pay for any part. Tiie laaies were not Mr Parr'e agents. On arrival at Glen Eden Mr Parr could not have done other than give a short address. Mr Quartley submitted that an innocent act could be turned into a guilty act by the agents 'b,v their manner of doing it, and that the agents in sending out the invitations had this effect. He submitted that the agents in their dealings with the ladies' committee were not dissociated from the election committee. Decision was reserved and will be delivered here on Monday.