ELECTION PETITIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5794, 12 February 1897, Page 4

ELECTION PETITIONS.

WELLINGTON SUBURBS. [Per Press Association.!

WELLINGTON, Feb. 11

TheChiefJustice,ingivingjudginent,-said that although suspicion attached to all the charges, only one had been proved, namely that relating to Mulvaney. He was satisfied from the latter's evidence (apart altogether from that part which did • not accord with Standen's and Wilford's) that Mr Wilford's action in giving tho letterto Mulvaney was with intent to influence Jus vote. Eegarding the point raised of it being a sympathetic acticn, his Honor pointed out the purely political nature of the letter. Tho circumstances regarding Gabb's letter were quite different, and in the nature of a reference. Standen was shown by the evidence never to have said directly that he was engaged on payment. The other evidence on this point was of no weight. The payments of various moneys to persons named were not proved to have been done with intention to influence electors. All the payees were active supporters of Mr Wilford. He deeared the elec'ion void.

Mr Justice Conolly concurred with tho Chief Justice.

Counsel for the petitioners applied for

costs.

Counsel for the respondent objected, on the grounds that the petitioners were impecunious and had found no part of the security. . . The Bench decided that principally owing to the failure of all the charges except one each side should pay its own costs.

Council for the respondent claimed an indemnity under the Act, Section 19, for Mr Wilford as a witness.

The Bench granted the application,

CITY OF WELLINGTON,

The petition of A. R. Atkinson re the Wellington election was then taken, the same counsel appealing as in the Suburbs

case.

Mr Chapman argued at length in favour of a recount of votes. The Court adjourned till 10 a.m. tomorrow.