[1] Mandamus—Discretion—When Exercisable.—The writ of mandamus is not a writ of right granted as of course but is allowed only in the sound discretion of the court, and such discretion will never be exercised unless some just or useful purpose will be sub-served thereby.

[2] School Law — Issuance oe Bonds — Mandamus — Scope oe Inquiry.—In view of the fact that it is the duty of a board of supervisors to issue bonds of a high school district if the returns of the election are regular and no vital infirmity appears upon the face of the proceedings, and the party who desires to question the validity of the election for reasons which do not appear from the record must seek his remedy in an equitable action to prevent the sale of the bonds, the court’s inquiry upon an application for a writ of mandamus to compel the board to issue the bonds must be confined to the same limits, that is, to an inspection of the record, and questions of fraud and illegal voting cannot be considered.

[3] Id.—Duty of Supervisors—Issuance of Bonds—Proper Certification of Election Returns.-—Under section 1746 of the Political Code, it is the duty of a board of supervisors to issue high school district bonds if the returns of the bond election are properly certified to the board.

[4] Id.—Times of Payment of Interest on Bonds—Statement on Election Ballot.—The law relating to high school district bond elections does not require that the proposition as printed on the ballot should show the times for the payment of interest, but such fact should appear in the notices of election to be posted and published.

[5] Id.—High School Bond Election—Completion of Returns—Authority of High School Board.—A high school board has authority under section 1281a of the Political Code to require bond election officers to complete their returns.