ELECTION PETITION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 118, 19 April 1932, Page 7

ELECTION PETITION

SURPRISE AT MARTON HEARING. CERTAIN CHARGES WITHDRAWN. Per Press Association. MARTON, April 19. A bombshell fell on the Election Court when it resumed this morning, when with ono exception the charges of corrupt practice on the part of Alexander Stuart were withdrawn by counsel for petitioner, James Thomas Hogan. The only case which remained was the charge that John Fyfo, an engine driver, at Marton Junction, after being compulsorily retired, was reinstated, on Mr Stuart’s representations. Mr Pyfe, in evidence, denied that respondent had done anything moro than give him a letter of introduction to Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates. The political leanings of the witness were questioned, and he admitted that he had “certain sympathies with the Labour Party.” He supported Mr Stuart, however, because ho considered him to be a suitable man to represent the district in Parliament. “Ho turned a political somersault,” said counsel, to which the ChrCf Justice replied: “That is nothing; plenty of people do that, and they are entitled to. This is a serious charge, and we want something more than that.”

The remainder of the morning was taken up hearing A. Way and F. Marlow, who, it was alleged, were the paid organisers of Mr Stuart and exercised their votes.

Mr Way admitted that he was paid as secretary by the Marton branch of the Reform Party, but when the Coalition was formed the branch went out of existence and Mr Way became honorary secretary to the Coalition committee, receiving no remuneration. Mr Marlow denied receiving payment.