WON ON THE TOSS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11957, 30 May 1933, Page 3

WON ON THE TOSS

HOW MAYOR OF STRATFORD MAS ELECTED. ALLEGED ILLEGALITIES OX POLLING DAY. M AGISTER IA L IXQ CIR Y OPENED.

Press Association) STRATFORD, May -J. Tho Mayoral election petition opened. before Mi*. "Woodward to-daj. Mr. L. M. Moss. New Plymouth, appeared for tlie petitioners, and Mr. A. Coleman, for tlie respondent. Lc-nuthy evidence . "as called, and the hearing was meouiploto "hen an adjournment- ,wa, taken at S'.3o till to-morrow.

On the less of a coin, Mr. .J. \V. McMillan iwas elected Mayor of Stratford. A recount was completed two day s altc.v the poll, and niter decision had been given mi certain votes previously lichl to be informal, the position of the candidates was equal. The returning officer was empowered to decide '.he matter b.' lot, and the toss of the coin went in favor of All'. McMillan.

Later a petition was, lodged by 12 electors of Stratford Borough asking that the Mayoral election be voided, raid that the Mayor. Mr. McMillan, be declared not ol acted.

Tho grounds alleged arc t-luil v"tr jug papers are missing, that unauthorised people were present at a polling place alter the closing ul the poll, and that a voting paper was issued without the roll number being inserted on the counterfoil. ’ It is alleged that a statement ol Mr. McMillan that he would reduce his honorarium and recommend Dial the saving of £25 be donated to the unemployed was illegal and improper. .

Objection is also taken to a eir culaiV issued by thy secretary ol 3D' AldMillan’s committee.

It is also alleged that the election of Air. McMillan was not determined bv lot in. accordance with the Act.