CABS AT ELECTIONS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12726, 23 March 1909, Page 5

CABS AT ELECTIONS.

— — ♦ Charge, against a Second Ballot Candidate (Per United Press Association). GISBORNE, March 22. In the Magistrate's Court the case Police against G. E. Darton, a candidate at the recent second ballot of the general election, was resumed this morning. The Crown Prosecutor intimated that a signed receipt for cab hire had been sent in with accused's vouchers, claiming the .£SO allowed to second ballot candidates. Counsel for defendant said he was prepared to admit that electors were carried ] in carriages, but his Worship said the ad- j mission could not be taken, the offence being an indictable one. H. E. Hill, returning officer, stated that defendant told him prior to the second! ballot that he desired to withdraw, and < did jiot think he had a chance, and did not feel justified in going to further expense. Witness said he coiild not retire, the second ballot being 1 compulsory. Defendant asked whether he was within his rights in charging cab hire. Witness replied that, as far as he (witness) was aware he thought he could. That was his im- j preasion. He had not looked the point up. j Witness was about the booths on the day of the ballot, but saw nothing to lead him to suppose the supporters of one candidate were being brought to the poll mbre than the supporters of the other. Darton was committed for trial. Counsel for the defence said that defendant thought he was quite within his i rights in bringing voters to the poll. No i discrimination was used, nor were electors i told 'who they should vote for. I