ELECTION PETITION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21505, 31 May 1933, Page 12

ELECTION PETITION

STRATFORD CONTEST STATEMENTS AT INQUIRY MAYOR GIVES EVIDENCE [by telkghaimi—muss association! STRATFORD, Tuesday The inquiry into the recent Stratford Mayoral election was continued before Mr. W. H. Woodward, &.M., today. The petition for the inquiry prayed that the election he declared void and that Mr. J. W. McMillan, the present Mayor, he not elected. Mr. L. M. Moss, of New Plymouth, appeared lor the petitioners and Mi. A. Coleman for the respondent.

The petition was based on a number of submissions including irregularities at the election and an allegation that the conduct of Mr. McMillan was irregular and a breach of the Local Flections and Polls Act, 1925. F. F. D. Jeffries, one of tho petitioners, said lie signed the petition because ho considered there had been irregularities and that Mr. McMillan had been guilty of corrupt practices. Witness admitted lie had voted in the name of tho Stratford Golf Club without authority. Evidence of Missing Vote

Mr. Coleman said he desired to point out the inconsistency of witness voting as he had and signing a petition complaining about similar votes. Jlr. Jeffries said his objection was against Mr. McMillan's manifesto regarding a donation of £25 to the unem ployed. Mr. McDonald gave evidence relating to a missing vote. Ho said he had voted by declaration and placed the voting paper in a ballot box without enclosing it in an envelope. P. Skoglund, relieving returning officer, maintained that the provisions of the Act had been complied with. At the preliminary count only authorised persons were present. James Cormick said that when Mr. McMillan gave him the manifesto complained of to send to the publisher he asked Mr. McMillan what he had to say about his opponent's (Mr. P. Thomson) challenge whether Mr. McMillan, if elected, would reduce the honorarium. Mr. McMillan replied lie would, and in a subsequent conversation said his intention was to ask the cajmcil to donate £25 of the saving to the unemployed. Witness added that to the statement, but a few days late Mr. McMillan told him he had not desired such words published. Mr. McMillan understood witness had acted in good faith and did not express annoyance. Witness had not made a correction because Mr. McMillan had not asked him to. Had Mr. McMillan desired a retraction he would promptly have said so. Ho usually said what he meant. Policy of Economy

Mr. Coleman: Yes, that is what many people complain of. Continuing, witness said he regarded the allegation of bribery as trivial. J. W. McMillan, iu evidence, said he heard rumours of a petition, but attached little importance to them. Witness alleged that Mr. Thomson in a way had instigated the petition when he challenged witness to resign and urged the people not to let the matter rest where it was. Cross-examined, Mr. McMillan said the allegation was paltry. He told Mr. Cormick subsequently that he should not have published the statement in the manifesto. His main policy was economy in administration. He denied reducing workmen's wages. Some of the petitioners taxed him about alleged bribery. Mr. Thomson in his challenge had not complained of anything done before the election.

Counsel pointed out that Mr, Thomson was in 110 way connected with tho petition. Decision was reserved.