OAMARU ELECTION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 31 March 1923, Page 6

OAMARU ELECTION

WHY IT WAS DECLARED VOID JUDGE'S FINDING (United Press Association). WELLINGTON, This Day. The Chief Justice Sir Robert Stout and Mr Justice Adams, who comprised the Election Court in regard to tht> Oamaru petition, have given their reserved judgment. After dealing lengthily with various aspects of the case, their Honours said ■ "We have come to the conclusion that an unfortunate result has been brought about by the neglect of the returning officer in not strictly following tho words of the Statute and not putting the surname only on the ballot paper, and that it would be unfair and not in accordance with the law, to declare p c " titionex elected,. when it is not clear that a majority of voters desired his election, and we cannot say without doubt that a majority desired the respondent to be elected. We must therefore declare the election void. Considering that,this result has not been caused by either party, we allow no costs. Each ■must bear his own costs." The Court, however, allowed' ten guineas costs to petitioner in re the motion disallowed by respondent to remove the petition from the file. HON. E. P. LEE TO BE A CANDIDATE AUCKLAND, This Day. Referring to the Oamaru petition, decision the Prime Minister said, the Speaker would be issuing a writ for a new election within a few days. The ; Hon. E. I'. Lee would be again nominated.