AN ELECTION PETITION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 144671, 4 May 1915, Page 4

AN ELECTION PETITION.

BAY OF ISLANDS CASE, TEn CHESS ASSOCIATION.

KAIKOKF, May 3. The hearing 0 f tho Hay of Islands election pelttion has concluded. In bis addre-s Mr. Heed. K.C.. argued for respondent that there’ could be no corrupt practice without corrupt intention. 'I he evidence in Jaeemho’s case was very .slight and suggested tlm Jacentho acted from a personal motive. It was inconceivable that a candidate would have been so foolFh as to permit the approach by anyone of Wilkinson or his agent. Underlying the action of both Air. Massey and respondent was (die desire to help tho parly. AM that was done was doin' before Wilkinson was announced as a candidate. Was Johnson not solely the acent of Mr. Massey-' lie wnnicl not have moved one inch for respondent. Sir John Findlay said Ihe Jndires were ashed to say whether it was legal for the party in ascendancy for the tune homy; to remove opposition from that party’s candidate hy c.iviny an opponent a seat in Ihe Upper House involving the payment of £140(1 and other emoluments. It was far from being a legitimate and proper thins "hen parties cnmo before a democratio constituency for the Premier, the sitting member or anyone clso to endea votir to remove from the contest by means of a bribe of a seat- in the Conneil the candidate who threatened the supporter of tlie ascendant party at that election. The principle profoundly alleeied future elections. The retirement of Wilkinson at least indirectly secured the return of Reed. Reed could not procure the seat, bat he was a party in the promise to endeavour to secure a scat for Wiluinson. Without a strict. rule the. agency door might ho opened In corrupt practices of a very serious character. 'The decision will he given at Auckland, probably on Friday.