THE BRYCE-HUTCHISON CASE.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 139, 7 December 1887, Page 2

THE BRYCE-HUTCHISON CASE.

(Per Press Association.)

Wanganui, Dec G. The Bryce-Hutchison case was resumed this morning. John Black, a member of respondent’s Patoa Committee, had no communication with respondent as to putting names on the roll. Left a signed claim to vote in witness’ presence. Donald Coutts heard respondent invited. Showed a miner into the polling booth on polling day, saying to him “Como on.” This closed the case for the petitioners. Mr Bell intimatod that he would probably abandon the charge of convoying voters to the poll, the charge of paying a station hand a pound for expenses incurred in attending to record bis vote, also tho charge of alleged bribery by promising Reubin Balwin reinstatement to tho appointment as custodian to tho Patca hospital. Mr Travers askod the Court to say whether it was necessary to call rebutting evidence on certain points. For instance, he admitted that Mason and Hogg had after tho close of tho poll treated some persons, but submitted that this was not treating within the meaning of tho Act. He submitted that tho evidence as to general treating altogether was insufficient, that there was not a tittle of evidence to show corrupt practice in treating. He submitted also that no corrupt practice avus disclosed respecting Mr Ballanco’s action Avith regard to the survey men not being allowed absence to record tlioir votes, contending that tho charge had not been made out, and that ho Avoukl bo perfectly safe in leaving the case iu its present stage.

After deliberation the Court suggested it would be better to go on with the case and argue the loading points after closing the case for respondent. George Hutchison, respondent and tho sitting member for Waitotara, was then examined at great length by Mr Travers, his evidence being a denial of any corrupt intention in regard to any particular circumstance alleged as an illegal act, and an explanation of circumstances surrounding each particular charge. Witness was in the box for over six hours. He swore ho had paid no monies except for advertising and hire for public balls throughout the election oontest, Was under no promise pr liability to pay. Tho Court adjourned at 5 o’clock,