RANGITATA LICENSING ELECTION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2722, 9 October 1894, Page 2

RANGITATA LICENSING ELECTION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —A, piece of news in connection with the above election appeared in the newspapers last week. It was stated that the cost of the licensing election in this district had been £234 IDs 2d, and was the second most expensive election in the colony. I immediately telegraphed to the Under Colonial Secretary, and received the following telegram in reply | Copy.] < ( Coat of Raugitata Licensing Election stated by Ashburton County Council to be £234 19s 2d. No details were given as they were not asked for. “ Hugh Pollen Wellington,” I have posted to the Colonial Secretary’s Office this reply [Copy] “ Hinds, Canterbury, sth Oct., 1394. “Hugh Pollen, Esy., Wellington. “ Sir,—l thank you with all my hoart for your telegram of to-day’s datp, in-.,

forming me that the Ashburton County Council has returned to the Government a statement that the cost of the licensing election in the Rangitata district has been £234 19s 2d. The council has not yet paid the accounts of all those employed to conduct the election, but is being sued in the S.M. Court to compel payment. Hence it is impossible for the council to make any return of the cost of the election. The total cost as certified by me was £175 odd, to which may be added £4 6s 6d for printing paid directly by the council, and I can, if you desire forward the council’s written authority for this expenditure.—l am, etc., “ John McKbagus, u Returning Officer.” Had this statement been by the council been undetected I would have had the credit in Wellington of incurring this expenditure, and as I know of no words capable of suitably describing thjn addition to the tactics of the council in thi« matter, I leave the public to form their own opinion of this fresh and additional proceeding of the council.—l am, etc., John McKeague, Returning Officer.