Neeve, John | Day 8

Received money from Edward Bristowe for putting flag & pole out of his window. Bristowe received the money from George Ralph.

Witness Type: Bribee

Party: Liberal

Witness Testimony:

  • 8654.

    (Mr. Turner.) What are you ? — A labourer.

  • 8655.

    Where do you live ? — No. 4, Fisherman’s Row.

  • 8656.

    Did you receive 3L. from the last witness, Bristowe ? — Yes, after the election.

  • 8657.

    But it was to vote for the Liberal ? — I had no understanding about the Liberal. I always vote for the Liberal and always did, ever since Lord Paget’s time.

  • 8658.

    But you know it was to secure your vote for the Liberal ? — No. Mr. Bristowe asked me as a favour to allow me to put a flag on my house, and of course I granted him ; he said possibly there might be a trifle allowed, but I did not want it.

  • 8659.

    What would there be a trifle allowed for ? — For putting this flag out.

  • 8660.

    3L, for that ? — I did not agree for no 3L., or anything.

  • 8661.

    You had the 3L. after the election ? — Some time after the election Bristowe brought me 3L., and said there was 3L. for me if I liked to accept it. Of course I took it, as anybody else would. I was not bought, and I would not be bought by nobody. I always vote Liberal.

  • 8662.

    (Mr. Holl.) Who spoke to you about the matter, Bristowe or George Ralph ? — Mr. Bristowe ; he asked me whether I would allow him to put a pole up.

  • 8663.

    Did George Ralph speak to you ? — No, nor not nobody else.

  • 8664.

    He asked you to vote for the Liberal, did he not ? — No, he did not ask me. I told him I should do that if there was nothing allowed. I always do that. I would not be bought by anybody.

  • 8665.

    Do you mean to tell us that you thought you were paid that 3L. for putting up that pole ? — I do not know what their thoughts may be. I had no intention of being paid.

  • 8666.

    What is your rent ? — I do not pay any. I have my own house.

  • 8667.

    Did they put the pole in your garden, or put it on your house ? — From the window.

  • 8668.

    Out of the window ? — Yes.

  • 8669.

    And do you mean to say you really believe you were paid that 3L, for allowing them to put that pole out of your window ? — Mr. Ralph thought most likely it was for my vote. He know I should vote that way, of course.

  • 8670.

    Did you got anything else ? — No.