Court in the lighter side

The hearing in the High Court on Tuesday before the Chief Justice Tom Weston of the petition challenging the outcome of the election in Rakahanga brought by the CIP’s Hagai (represented by Paul Lynch)against the Demos Toka (represented by Mrs T Browne), had its lighter moments.

“Lets call them before their numbers increase.” –the CJ when told by Lynch that three public servants were present to give evidence not two.

“Can you sort out the air conditioning at the same time Mrs Browne?” – CJ when Mrs Browne went to stop the loud noise coming from the balcony caused by an open door banging against a chair.

“I’m batting, she’s bowling.”- Paul Lynch referring to Mrs T Browne. Lynch incidentally had a cut finger.

No change at Tamarua, Mangaia
Prior to the start of the hearing in the High Court on Tuesday into the petition by the Cook Islands Party challenging the outcome of the election in Rakahanga, Chief Justice Tom Weston took the opportunity to inform the public of his decision regarding the hearing in Mangaia on Monday into the petition challenging the outcome of the election for the Tamarua, Mangaia seat. The Chief Justice said after hearing the evidence, he dismissed the petition brought by the Democratic Party candidate Andy Matapo (represented by Mrs T Browne) against the Cook Islands Party’s candidate Pukeiti Pukeiti (represented by P Lynch). The CJ announced the election outcome stands.

By Charles Pitt

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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