THE COMING ELECTIONS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1210, 19 August 1911, Page 4

THE COMING ELECTIONS.

W'ESTLAND SEAT. (By Telegraph.—Special Correst>onaonU • , Hokitika, August 18. Mr. H. L. Michel, a candidate "for the Westland scat at the forthcoming general , election, was interviewed in reierenco to a telegram from Wellington published in West Coast papers in regard to the now boundaries of tho Westland electorate, and ilr. T. E. Seddon's assertion that Mr. Michel's,influence stopped short at llokitika. Ho expressed surprisa at Mr. i-cd-don's statement, which ho -characterised as not only peculiar,' but entirely incorrect. Mr. Michel points out that when ho contested tho scat with Mr. Scddon threo years ac;o ho defeated the latter in tho Kumara district, which is Mr. Scddon's native place, while ho (Mr. Michel) alto secured largo majorities in tho Kokataki, Jioiverangi, and Arahura district. In tho largest polling place.in South Wcstland, Ihe sitting member's opponent obtained a majority in tho proportion of two to one. In tho northern portion of tho electorate, which is many miles north of Groymouth, ho also defeated Mr. Scddon in a number of polling places by substantial majorities. Mir. Scddon scorns to have forgotten, said the speaker, that (ho party that supported him had suilicient "influence" to obtain 272!) votes, of which 2000 were polled outsido of HokitHca. As regards the old Wcstland electorate, which Mr. Seddon had represented for two years and a half prior to last election, he (Mr. Scddon) was defeated, and his total majority, including tho support accorded in the previously extended electorate, was J lO. Mr. Michel concluded by remarking that after all Mr. Seddon's or his (Mr, Michc s) opinion in regard la what effect the alteration of the boundaries will have is of little consequent, ai the men and women of Wcslland would have, the final say as to who is to bo the chosen candidate. .- Mr. Toslnnd, of Tiliama. has announced himself as.a candidate for the seat in tiio "Democratic interest." stator a Press Association telegram.