LICENSING MATTERS.

Evening Post, Volume XLVII, Issue 87, 13 April 1894, Page 2

LICENSING MATTERS.

PROCEEDINGS AT INVERC ARGILL. !Bt Tkleobaph.J iIIMTKD PRESS ASSOCIATION.] InVKRCAIUULL, THIS DAY. Tho onqniry imo tbe validity of the lictnsmg election began yestorday before Mr. Rawßon, S.M. Messrs. Wade, Solomon, nnd Kattray appeared for petitioners, and Messrs. T. M. M'Donald aud M'Nab for the respondent Committee - Mr. M'Donald objected that the names of persons who hid temained in the polling booths and directed voters, as alleged in the petition, should have been given. It was decided to t>rooeed, and Mr. Solomon opened at length, contending that tho Magistrate must decide by Tho Regulation of Elections Aot, 1876, and not Tho Electoral Act, 1893, which latter provided that no election should be declared void on account of specified 'irregularities, whereas the Aot of 187G laid down explioitly that an election thould be declared void if an irregularity ocourrd whioh in tho opinion of the Magistrate tended to defeat the fairness ot tho election. As to tho double stamping of votiug papers to distinguish men a from women's votes, the Hon. G. F. Richardson had suggested something of this kind to the Premier for tho general oection, but Mr Seddon had replied that to , do so would be to violate the lav. Mr Martin, tbe Returning Officer, was examined, and said the double stamping of papers was dono to obtnin information required by his superior officer* for certain returns bo had to make. He did it of his own oiotion, having received his instructions from the Colonial Seoretory. Evidence was tendered to show that several persons who had voted at the general election were refused voting papers, and others who could not get to proper places to mark their papers marked them on wiudow-ailla, on tho Magistrate*) desk, and aj>aiust walls, in view of bystanders. The officials could not stop these proceedings, as the Returning Offioer had not tuffioient assistance The procoedinirs woro nl ti matoly adjourned till Saturday, after which there will be a further adiourmnunt nf a weok to enablo Mr. Solomon to conauct the Clutha petition cahU. Hokitika, This Dat. The cost of the licensing election for West and was ££40. Ihe County Council has bcut tho accounts to the Government.

( Our Own Correspondent. ) MAbTEETON, This Dat. At a meeting of the Wairarapir Rprth County Council the following resolution was 1 paste I :—": — " That tbe Government be re- • quofetod to so amend the Alooholio Liquors Salo Control Act as to placo the conduct of o'.oetioiis under the control of the local authorities, as the Council is satisßod the expense wilt th- reby be much reduced." Kaw/kawa, This Day. Out of 3095 on the roll, 630 males and 199 • females vot'd in tho local option poll for Bay of Islands— For publicans' licenses to continue as at present, 388; reduction, 9 1; that none be granted, 112.