THE RANGITIKEI ELECTION

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 603, 3 September 1909, Page 6

THE RANGITIKEI ELECTION

CANDIDATES AND THEIR CHANCES.; '■ .'(By. TeleEraph.T-rSpeclal Correspondent.) Wanganul, September 2. •Interest.' in-the■'< forthcoming ' Rangitikai .ejection ,is'; liiucii greater than that .evinced' .at; last year's .contest. . The candidate's j(Mossrs:. Hockly, Mcldrum,. Gcorgetti, HornMow,' Hutchison, and Smith) have fallowings,, all of whom are working assiduously, whilo iinterest in tho struggle is intensified by the presence of Messrs. Martin . and Gallichan (organisors respectively of ;the Opposition and Government interests). Mr.. Hockly is likely to poll very heavily in Huntorville, Mangd; ; wcka, Okingaiti,' Taihape, and the .smaller .districts, where'his committees are working, .with great enthusiasm;: Thero is a confirmed .belief tho electorate that the district should bo represented by '» practical .farmer with • an experience' in local-govern-:ment._ Mr.' Hockly. fulfils all qualifications in a marked degree. In addition to this fact. his personality and.popularity aro second to none. Mr. Meldrum is also a' popular man, but his speech the other night at Huntefvillo is said to have been singularly weak' and ineffective. ■ 'Hois' expected to poll: ■ best at Hunterville, which is his' homo. Mr.' Gcorgetti,'the Independent.candidate, will' have a .'Mangaweka following principally. ; Mr. 1 Smith's change of-attitude is supposed to damage his'ohanoes of election, but those who know'him best Btate.that ho' intends to see tho'battle out. Mr. ;'Hornblow; who is a good fighter, with'-a hobby far platform speaking, also intends'to. fight to the end. ! Mr. v Hutchison is.-well known, as. a.most effective fighter and.platform speaker,.and will 'receiye/.a'good, deal of, support.at,the-"Wa-■n'ganui^end.of the electorate. ' ,•'

]' .: ;v 7dateofthe.poll.; '_:,' ;i ;, i In'-ordur. to enable a second-ballot :(if necessary) ;io be taken in connection ;with the Rahgitikei -"election .before the .session,' the poll will,-it.is expected, bo held on September 16.:.. On' Tuesday last .tho Speaker of the House; of Representatives (the. Hon; A. R: Guinness) signed and issued,the necessary document to the Clerk'of Writs, directing him to issue a the return of a member to fill 'the present vacancy. The writ for .the election\is returnable within' 21 days.':■'