WESTERN MAORI ELECTION PETITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10408, 5 April 1897, Page 5

WESTERN MAORI ELECTION PETITION.

fay TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION,] New Plymouth, Saturday. The decision was given in the Western Maori election at ten o'clock this morning, The Chief Justice ruled that Ngamuku, the seconder of Henare Kaihau, was over the statutory age. On the weight of the evidence given at the inquiry, on the grounds of corruption, he ruled that the evidence was in favour of the respondent, in the direction that the respondent Kaihau did not givo Ngamuku money. Judge Conolly concurred on the question of age, On the question of corruption he was inclined to think Ngamuku had received money. There waß no proof that ho received money from Kaihau. It might be explained that Kaihau, To Ika, his nominator, and Pepa, his seconder, came to New Plymouth from W.iikatofor the nomination. On their arrival there it was found that Popa was disqualified through being on the European roll, and some difficulty was experienced in getting a Taranaki native to fill his place. Ngamuku filled the position. The usual election petition costs were all paid by respondent. Counter charges of bribery and corruption were not proceeded with. The court declared Henare Kaihau duly elected, '■'