LOCAL OPTION.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7627, 13 December 1902, Page 2

LOCAL OPTION.

Per Press Association.

■ DUNEDIN, December 12.

A petition has now been lodged asking that the local option polr for Waikouaiti electorate, where reduction was carried, should be declared void on an account of alleged irregularities. Major Keddell w 11 hold the inquiry. Mr. Carew, S.M., will to-morrow make an announcement concerning the Chalmers local opton' poll. Nothing has been heard of the missing papers. WELLINGTON, December 12.

The Premier has received telegrams from Messrs T. E. Taylor, Jas. Allen, H. D. Bedford, and Thos. Mackenzie, M's.H.R., pointing out in connection with the petitions being lodged in the south to upset the licensing polls, that returning officers have no funds to pay counsel, arid it is doubtful if any other party can oppose the petitions. They suggest that the Crown should instruct counsel to appear for the officers.

The Premier replied that their representations have been referred to the Colonial Secretary for consideration; but the Premier's memory is that the Legislature provided for all expenses respecting licensing- questions being defrayed by local authorities. The returning officers being- statutory officers, interference by the Government, unsolicited by them but asked for by interested parties on either side, would form a dangerous precedent.