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\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid2503608 IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE COOK ISLANDS }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2503608\charrsid2503608 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4551889 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid2503608 HELD AT AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2503608\charrsid2503608 
 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2503608 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2503608 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16720874 CA9/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2503608\charrsid9186643 04
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2503608 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 BETWEEN}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8592812 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2503608 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid1720782 NORMAN GEORGE
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 Appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8592812 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid1720782 EUGENE TATUAVA}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8592812\charrsid1720782 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2503608 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 Respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9186643 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8592812 11}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643  November 2004 (at Auckland)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8592812\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 Coram:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1729942 Barker JA (Presiding)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8592812 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 Henry JA
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1729942 Smell}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 ie JA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5789121\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 Mr JB Samuel for the Appellant
\par Mr TC Weston QC for the Respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11761829\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 November 2004}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11761829\charrsid9186643 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1916294 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid11761829 JUDGMENT OF THE COURT}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1916294 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1916294 
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11761829 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11761829\charrsid11761829 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9186643 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid11761829 Solicitors: N George, Avarua for Appellant }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11761829\charrsid11761829 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid11761829 Charles Little, Avarua for Respondent
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15149973 [1] The appellant,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16526748  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15149973 Mr George ,was declared the unsuccessful candidate for the constituency
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11238240  of Atiu at the General Election conducted on 7}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11238240\charrsid11238240 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11238240 
 September 2004.The respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16526748  was the successful candidate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10239055\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 [2]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
By petition pursuant to s 92 of the Electoral Act 2004 (the Act), file
d within the seven-day period specified in s 92(1), the appellant petitioned the High Court for an inquiry into the conduct of the election. Despite the time constraint, the petition was comprehensive: it alleged in some detail infractions of sections 89(
a) and (d), 84(1)(a)(ii) and 85 of the Act by the respondent or persons on his behalf.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
It also alleged errors and omissions made by the Returning Officer who was named as the second respondent. In broad terms, the petition alleged the unlawful treating of s
ome electors and the intimidation of others, plus inflammatory and/or defamatory statements made about the appellant in documents, cartoons and photographs shown in public view and in the media.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4619373\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 [3]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 The petition came on for hearing in the High Court befor
e Hingston J. The learned Judge sat both in Atiu and Auarua. He heard a considerable volume of evidence relating to the allegations made in the petition. On 11 October 2004, he delivered a judgment rejecting all the complaints made by the appellant.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 His ju
dgment was clearly based on his having seen and heard the witnesses. He stated that he would be strict over admissibility of evidence because any finding of corrupt treating etc had to be referred to the Commissioner of Police in terms of s 100 of the Act
.
 The Judge found no corrupt treating or other proscribed behaviour. Any irregularities regarding election procedures did not compromise the result of the election. The appellant had not been defamed. Whilst there was a regrettable incident involving two s
chool girls, there was nothing in the conduct of the person guilty of that infraction which would affect the electoral position of the respondent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13385085\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 [4]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
The Judge also recorded his view that there was no impropriety established by the respondent against the appellant. The Judge noted that a petition complaining about the appellant's conduct was struck out because no grounds had been established.
\par 
\par [5]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 At a later date, which has not been established, according to counsel for the appellant, the learned Judge ora
lly granted leave to appeal to the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14115251 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13320118 
 This Court sitting in Auckland, has no record of any written application for leave to appeal or of any minute by the judge. According to the instructions given to counsel }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
for the appellant, the appellant was on
e of several counsel involved in the various election petitions who were seeing the Judge in Chambers when he granted to all leave to appeal in several petitions. However, counsel for the respondent in the present case, Mr Little, was not present at this 
meeting, although counsel for the Returning Officer was.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13320118\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 [6]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 We find the situation quite unsat}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7144180 isfactory if the Judge granted l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
eave to appeal other than by consent without enquiring as to the attitude of counsel for the respondent. Such application}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7144180 s must always be made on notice:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
 any respondent can have justifiable concerns on matters such as security for costs and that the conduct of the appeal in an expeditious manner. If what we were told from the bar is correct, there was no apparent involvement
 of the respondents in the application to appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9635331\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 [7]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
However, there is a much more serious problem arising out of the appeal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1916294  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
provisions relating to election petitions. Section 102(2) of the Act reads as follows:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6428915\charrsid9186643 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6428915 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 "Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this s
ection, the Chief Registrar shall ensure that each Registrar of a district to which that subsection applies has available to him or her, until the roll for that district ceases to be in force, all information necessary to enable him or her to bring his or
 her roll up to date in the event of a by-election in that district (which information may include or consist of photocopies of original documents)."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9186643 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6428915\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 [8]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
From this subsection, it is clear that any appeal from a decision of the High Court of an election pet
ition is limited to an appeal on a question of law. The appeal must be by way of case stated. This was the way in which two other appeals were dealt with by the Court }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7144180 
at the present session (Nos CA7/04 and CA8/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 04) were initiated.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7755308\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14971747 [9}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
Although we were informed by counsel that there is no provision regarding cases stated in the relevant rules of the Court, this particular mode of appeal is well known in English and New Zealand law. The whole area of law in this regard is well}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15802708  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 summarised by Fisher J in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid15802708 Auckla
nd City Council v Wotherspoon}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643  [1990] 1 NZLR 76.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15802708\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 [10]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 That case makes the following matters clear.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1005693\charrsid9186643 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6044639 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 [a]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 It is the responsibility of the Judge to record the facts as found by him and to articulate the questions of law for the opinion of the appellate Court.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6044639 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1005693\charrsid9186643 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6044639 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 [b]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7144180 Normally it is for counsel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
 to confer on the form of the case stated. If counsel cannot agree, it. is the duty of the Judge to settle the case stated.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6044639 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1005693\charrsid9186643 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6044639 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1005693 [c] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 It is not suf}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9830465 ficient for the Judge merely to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643  annex the notes of evidence to the case stated and
 leave it to the appellate Court to try and resolve the matter.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6044639 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1005693\charrsid9186643 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6044639 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 [d]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 If there is a conflict of evidence or if some of the evidence has not been accepted by the tribunal determining the facts, such evidence is irrelevant to the appeal and should not be incl
uded: see }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid6439927 Conroy v Patterson}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6439927  [1965] NZLR 790, 791.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9186643 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6439927\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 [11]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 In this present case there was just no case stated.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10095069\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 [12]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
The Returning Officer was not apparently joined in the appeal. Certainly he did not appear through counsel at the present appeal, as occurred in the other election appeals heard by the Court in this session.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid10095069 Re Wellington Central Election Petition}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643  [1973] 2 NZLR 470, 477, the Full Court of the then Supreme Court of New Zealand indicated that the Returning Officer should, as a matter of practi
ce, be joined in an election petition as a party. Failure to join is an irregularity but is not necessarily fatal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10095069\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 [13]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
The Court is therefore of the opinion that it has no jurisdiction to consider this appeal because there has been no case stated by the Judge which sets out his}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2960291  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 findings of fact and articulates the questions to be answered by this Court. No other form of appeal is permitted by the statute.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2960291\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 [14]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
Counsel for the appellant (who was instructed at short notice) prepared a number of questions which he said were questions of law arising out of the Judge's decision. We are unable to agree. The whole appeal exercise
 seemed to be an attempt to dress up findings of fact as findings of law.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
There can be no appeal against a finding of fact on an election petition.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
The Judge saw and heard the witnesses and was quite clear in his finding that there was no factual justification for any of the grounds stated in the petition.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10439056\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 [15]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
The only matter which even approached a question of law was whether the Judge had applied the correct standard of proof where criminal conduct was alleged. The Judge rightly said that he was going t
o consider strictly allegations on criminal conduct, particularly when he was under a duty to report any criminal conduct}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8993558  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
discovered to the Commissioner of Police.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 He correctly adopted the standard of proof laid down by Donne CJ in }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid8993558 Re Mitiaro Election Petition}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9830465  [19}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
79] 1 NZLR S1 and not the New Zealand case of }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9830465 Re}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid13655734 Wairau Election}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
 [1919] NZLR 489 which seemed to apply the criminal standard. Where criminal conduct is alleged in civil proceedings, the civil standard of proof on the balance of probabilities is sti
ll appropriate, although the Court must have regard to the gravity of matters to proved in assessing that standard of proof.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14378784\charrsid9186643 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 [16]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 Regardless of these difficu}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9830465 lties which face the appellants,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643\charrsid9186643 
 there is no jurisdiction to deal with this appeal which is dismissed. The respondent is entitled to costs in the sum of $1,000 plus disbursements as fixed by the Registrar.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9186643 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14378784 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14378784\charrsid14378784 Barker JA ,}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14378784 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14378784\charrsid14378784 Henry JA ,}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14378784 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14378784\charrsid14378784 Smellie JA
\par }}