RANGITIKEI SEAT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 118, 19 April 1932, Page 8

RANGITIKEI SEAT.

REARING OF ELECTION PETITION. Per Press Association. MARTON, April 18. The hearing of the election petition by Mr J. T. Hogan was continued today. 'i'he whole afternoon was devoted to hearing evidence regarding disallowed absentee votes. The Bench would not agree to scrutinise the votes until evidence was produced that a scrutiny was necessary. Mr Hogan’s scrutineer at the Magisterial recount said £hat he objected to certain votes being disallowed, but admitted having agreed to bow to the ruling of the local bank manager in cases where the handwriting was questioned. The banker had ruled the votes out. The Chief Justice strongly criticised what he termed the breaking of an honourable agreement by now corning forward and asking the votes to be allowed. Cortain votes which had also been disallowed because a cross had been placed the candidate whom the vote: desired not to vote for were agreed 10 bo eligible by petitioner’s counsel. At the adjournment the Bench had not instructed whether the scrutiny of votes should be made. Less than half of the 85 witnesses subpoenaed have been heard so far.