OUSTED FROM OFFICE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2803, 4 December 1907, Page 4

OUSTED FROM OFFICE.

AUCKLAND, November 28. In the Magistrate's Court at Paeroa. to* day an application was heard by Joseph Nathan, calling on John Cochrane, a county councillor, to show cause why he should not be ousted from office on the grounds that, in the month of November* 19C5, Cbohrane was a contractor, and was also duly elected as * member of the Ohinemuri County Council, while engaged! in carrying out contract* for the council, and that on 11th December, 1905, Cochrsne drew money for the work from the council through an agent, Michael Crosby. ' The evidence of T. N. E. Kenney, county clorfc, was to the effect that Oochrana held two contracts on the date of tho election, these being transferred to J. Bradeson on the 7th December. Th« Magistrate (Mr Bush) stated that he was of the opinion that Cochrane was a oon« tractor till December 7, and therefore was not eligible to hold office, and he accord* ingly declared Cochrane ousted, with cost* amounting to £5 19s against him. Residents of long standing in the Wairsj* rapa County etate they cannot remembef having seen tho native cabbage trees] covered so luxuriantly with blossoms «4 they are this year s