GISBORNE TRAMWAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19455, 11 October 1926, Page 10

GISBORNE TRAMWAYS.

POLL FOR ABOLITION. IRREGULARITIES ALLEGED. [BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION. ] GISBORNE, Saturday. A poll was taken in Gisborao recently on the matter of the abolition of the tramway system, with the idea of instituting motor-bus services. The proposal was carried by 152 votes, but 11 petitioners alleged irregularities. As a result a commission was opened to-day before Mr. E. C. Levy, S.M. Mr. W. D. Lysnar, with Mr. S. V. Beaufoy, appeared for petitioners, and Mr. L. T. Burnand appeared for respondents. Mr. Lysnar urged that legal argument should be heard first and the evidence of-'3l witnesses bo taken later. Mr. Burnand opposed this. » Mr. Lysnar said they contended that the voting paper was not properly drawn up, and that the requirements of the Tramways Act, had not' been fulfilled. Mr. Burnand said the new Act was passed on September 9 and the poll was taken on September 10. He contended it was absurd to suggest the poll should have been taken under the new Act. After further argument the evidence of the returning officer and tho town clerk was heard, which, Mr. Lysnar said, was all the evidence required for legal argament. The. magistrate-said he would consider the matter. Proceedings were adjourned until Monday.