EDUCATION BOARD ELECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19260, 26 August 1924, Page 8

EDUCATION BOARD ELECTION

alleged irregularities. (Pbb United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August 25. An action for an order by the court decaying void the Wellington Education Board’s election on July 24- last, because of alleged irregularities m the procedure adopted by the returning officer, Ceorgo .Leighton Stewart (secretary to tne boaid) ■was commenced in the Magistrates Eouit the names of Percy John Stephen Hutn.nance and James Stonehouse appeared on the voting paper for the Hutt-1 etono urban •area as the candidates, and the j returning officer .returned the latter as tne elected member, it was further alleged that the nomination in proper form of Ernest DawBon was at about 1.30 p.m. on June 24 nested by registered letter to the Education Board secretary, and directed to the post office box mentioned in the circular issued by the board. The nomination of Dawson • ivas not received until the forenoon of -June 26. The petitioner mantainod that it was received by Stewart prior to to 5 ■o’clock on the afternoon of June 25. II ■the- nomination had not been received as ,«tatecl, the petition alleged that non-receipt -by Stewart was duo to hia failure to exercise reasonable and proper cip-o and diligence in the performance of the duties required o£ him as returning officer and in ipartioular to his failure, or neglect, to take all measures necessary to ensure the •prompt and safe collection and receipt of d2ie nomination. • •The-hearing is proceeding. ;■ Alter the case for the petitioners I»bii presented various witnesses "ave evi-'-donce in regard to the procedure adopted by. the Post Office with regard to registered letters, in which it was stated that nomiInations were forwarded to the Education Board secretary. • .. Education Board officials gave evidence with ..respect to the clearing cf the mail boxes on day. ‘ Mr Stewart (secretary of the board) said he had held that position for 20 years. To make sure of all letters being secured he .'cleared the last mail himself. The nominations were not there. There had been some mis-sorting at the Education Board box.