ELECTION PETITION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11235, 5 April 1897, Page 5

ELECTION PETITION.

[Pbb Pbess Association.] NEW PLYMOUTH, Apbil-8. The decision was given in the Western Maori election petition case at ten o’clock this morning. The Chief Justice, ruled that Ngamuku, the seconder of Henare Kaihau, was over the statutory age. On the weight of evidence given at the enquiry, on the grounds of corruption he ruled that the evidence was in favour of the respondent, and that the respondent Kaihau (fid not give Ngamuku money. Judge Conolly concurred on the question of age. On the question of corruption he was inclined to think that Ngamuku had received money, but there was no proof that he received it from Kaihau. It might be explained that Kaihau Te Ika, his nominator, and Pepa, hia seconder, came to New Plymouth from Waikato for the nomination; that on their arrival it was found that Pepa was disqualified through being on the roll, and some difficulty was experienced in getting a Taranaki Native to fill his place. Ngamuku filled the position. The usual election petition costs were also paid by the respondent. The counter charges of bribery and corruption were not proceeded with. The Court declared Henaro Kaihau duly