THE SYDENHAM LICENSING ELECTION.

Evening Star, Issue 8529, 30 May 1891, Page 2

THE SYDENHAM LICENSING ELECTION.

Iu Banco at Christchnrch yesterday, Mr Harper, for plaintiffs, argued that a» the Governor had not appointed any one of the local bodies having jurisdiction in Sydenham to appoint a returning offiuer for the licensing election, there was no elective office in respect to which the returning officer could act. Mr Stringer followed, submitting that under 1 the Local Elections Act the recent election was not an election at all. Sirß. Stout, for defendants, eon tended that a " local body " in the Local Election? Act meant only a borough or county eonneil or road board, and that drainage boards or other bodies having jurisdiction in Sydenham had no jurisdiction for the purpose of appointing a returning officer for a licensing election, except a borough oosmeil—the one whfch had appointed the returning officer. He submitted further that no invalidity in the appointment of a returning officer could affect the validity of the election, provided it were properly conducted in othec respects. This morning argument was concluded. His Honor reserved judgment. Sir Robert Stout undertaking that the meeting of committee fixed for Wednesday next should be postponed for a week to enable His Honor to give judgment in the meantime •