THE WAIRAU ELECTION

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 23, Issue 5, 19 January 1912, Page 7

THE WAIRAU ELECTION

PETITION TO UNSEAT MR McGALLUM. The petition, referred to in whispers during the past week or so, appealing against the return of Mr R. McCallum as member for Wairau, has, it is slated, been duly lodged in accordance with the Act, and is therefore open to the public. From what we can gather, the petitioners are William Carr, of Blenheim, John O’Sullivan, of Elenheim, and John Lankow,. of Fairhall. Mr William Sinclair, of Blenheim, is the authorised solicitor to act for the petitioners. The grounds for the petition, we are informed, are, the allegations that Mr McCallum was guilty of “bribery,” “treating,” and of “ corrupt and illegal practices ” by reason whereof “ a fair, pure and honest election was not holden.” The petitioners therefore say that the said election ought to be declared void. In a lengthy statement of particulars, it is alleged that Mr McCallum “ shouted ” at Grovetown, and that he also gave or provided, or caused to be given or provided, intoxicating liquors to his friends at Okaramio, Picton, Seddon, Marlboroughtown, Mhza and Haven lock. Charges are also alleged against Mr McCallum or his agents for supplying drink from the Grove Road Grain Store on the day of the first ballot; of bribing and treating a prominent supporter at Seddon; against his agents for waylaying and importuning electors on their way to the polling booth ; that contracts . for payment were made on account of the conveyance of electors to the polling places; that a prominent supporter of Mr McCallum stood outside a certain booth, urging people to “ strike out the top line.” The petitioners further allege that Mr McCallum was guilty of corrupt practice at the first ballot inasmuch as the total expenses of bis election exceeded the sum of £2OO, and that at the second ballot be exceeded the sum of £SO. Framed charges are also made in respect to persons named in the petition being promised or of having received moneys from Mr McCallum or his agents during the progress of the campaign. The petition is a lengthy one, includes quite a number of assorted allegations, including one against a supposed supporter of Mr McCallum, to the effect that be made a wager of £3O upon the result of -the election.— “Press.”