CHARGES AGAINST A REGISTRAR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CIX, Issue 13113, 29 April 1903, Page 8

CHARGES AGAINST A REGISTRAR.

- REPORT OP THE- COAIAIISSION. [Per Press Association.] •WELLINGTON, April 28. Tho Commissioners appointed to inquire into the charges brought, against Air King,, the Registrar of Electors in Auckland, in their report, find that none of the charges were substantiated, and therefore they have no recommendation to make to tho Government. They -state that Air King, not being represented by counsel, placed, him at some disadvantage. He. had only from the. middle of September to Oct. 6 to prepare, the rolls, and the Commissioners consider that the shortness of time and the attempted combination of economy and expedition, and elasticity in the interpretation of the law and accuracy, seem to have contributed to errors and omissions which were ciDirued to Air King. Had there boon more time thu errors would have been overcome. The evidence showed that Air, Kings personal attitude had been conciliatory and un-

objectionable, though some of his letters might be criticised.The Commissioners, speaking generally of the charges against Mr King, express the opinion that there is no evidence to support the charge of corrupt motive, which .is .the gravamen of the whole accusation. There is, they say, no- evidence that Mr King discriminated between parties claiming enrolment. The Commissioners acquit the Registrar of all .charges, but make some> comment on the charge of inserting a name on the 'Grey Lynn roll after the issue’ of the writ. On this matter, they add, there is a mass of contradiction on both sides, and the whole circumstances are unsatisfactory and suspicious.