The Licensing Polls.

Southland Times, Issue 18015, 10 December 1902, Page 2

The Licensing Polls.

(PROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)

Dunedin, Dec. 9

Petitions to have both tho Caversham anil Chalmers local option polls declared void were lodged to day on tho grout ds of irregularity, the petitions in each instance being drawn up on behalf of tho hoteikeepeio. Evidently tho recent polls a-o to provide u fat time for the legal profession. The main point relied on in Chalmers is that the voting papers at ono of the booths (Broad Bay 1 understand) went astray. This is believed to bo tho flaw which prevents the recount al Chalmeis being declared.- Mr J. 14 . rhoriiton has been retained to conduct the Cavershsm petition and Messrs Hooking, Hanlon and Platts tho Chalmers case. [Feb United Press Association.] Ashburton, Dec 9. A petition, signed by 60 electors, wa-. lodged to day with tho object of upsetti g the result of the local option poll by which no-license was declared .carried. Tho enquiry was fixed for the 18th. Wellington, Deo. 9. Sixty-six electors of Newtown have lodged a petition at the Magistrate’s Court praying to have the recent licensing poll for that district declared void on account of certain irregularities in connection with lhe manner in which the voting was conducted, lhe Crown f-olicitor has informed the Inspector of police that in tho absence of prescribed penalties, it is useless to proceed against the person who distributed mock ballot papers during election day. . Auckland, Deo. 9. Tho effect of prohibition on the wine in dustry oi Now Zealand was briefly discussed at a conference' of fruit growers. It .was pointed out that tho carrying of prohibition would under tho present law prohibit the sale of light N.Z winos, and a motion was passed expres*ing the opinion that N.Z. wine should be sold iu all restaurants free of license.