MAORI ELECTION

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 148, 10 March 1923, Page 5

MAORI ELECTION

EVIDENCE CONCLUDED by telegraph.—Press association. Tauranga, March 9. In the Pomaro election petition case, further evidence was given this moining regarding the meeting at Matapihi, at which Sir Maui Pomaro is said to have threatened to punish Natives who di(l not vote for him. The evidence was a denial of any such threat. Iho ■greater portion of the morning was taken up by evidence refuting the alligation that the Natives were treated to drink at Muir’s mine during Pomure’s meeting there. George Muir, managing director of Muir’s Goldmining Company, denied that any. whisky was served to the Natives, either m the house or outside, and said that any statement to the contrary was an absolute falsehood. Noble, mine malinger, also testified that there had been no drink whatever, and said he must have seen any if it had been served. Several witnesses were examined as to the alleged occurrence, and they asserted that nothing of the kind took place. ' Mr. Skerrctt, for Gta petitioner, said that two girls, who were alleged to have served the liquor, had not been seen since the occurrence, and tho Bench decided to summon them to attend the «,urt. Subpoenas thereupon were issued, and a motor-car dispatched to Muir's bouse at the mine, where they arc employed, to bring them to the court. The evidence closed tins afternoon, and the hearing was adjourned to iho Supreme Court at Auckland at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. ;