ELECTION COURT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10418, 23 March 1912, Page 8

ELECTION COURT.

PETITION DISMISSED. [Pssr Paksb Association.] BLENHEIM, March 23. At the Election Court Sir Joshua Williams delivered judgment in the petition against the. return of Richard M'Oallum as member for Wairau. The judgment was of a lengthy nature and bis Honor said that counsel for the petitioners endeavoured to prove charges by means of witnesses who proved either hostile or adverse. The treating at Grovetown and Okaramio was not done with a corrupt intent. The liquor at Grove Road was not there with M'Callu'm Brothers' consent. Charges of hiring vehicles presented some difficulties, but Mr M'Callum's version of the transaction was accepted by the Court, who believed that he never intended to pay for the use of vehicles. Regarding the charge that the election expenses exceeded the amount allowed hv the Statute, there was no evidence "that itdid. As to the charge of paying . or promising payment to Morrison for working for Mr M'Cal%iiii on the second ballot, the petitioners' case was supported by unsworn statements and suspicious circumstances, and the respondent's by ■sworn testimony. The charges were fHsmissed and the petitioners were ordered to pay costs.