THE EGMONT SEAT.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1517, 13 August 1912, Page 4

THE EGMONT SEAT.

CANDIDATES 1 CHANCES. (From Oar Special Correspondent.) Eltham, August 13. The struggle for the Egmont seat, to be > rendered vacant by tlio resignation of the Hon. T. Mackenzie, promises to bo a duel only between Mr. Wilkinson and Mr. Dive, both supporters 01 the present Government. There has been talk of other candidates, notably Messrs. Woke, Jennings, O'Dea, and Farrell, but of theso Mr. Wake is tho only one likely to materialise, nnd ho has not yet shown any signs of enthusiasm for tho job. Mr. Jennings and Mr. O'Dea have both oust longing eyes 011 tho electorate, but it is understood that they do not care to abandon their present territories/ and so jeopardise their possible chances there in any forthcoming election. Mr. Farrell, who was spoken of as a Labour candidate, is a tobacconist residing in Eltham, a popular mail in his way, but oven he does not take very seriously the suggestion that he should aspire to Parliamentary honours. Great enthusiasm is being shown by Mr. Wilkinsons supporters, and strong committees to advance his interests are b;ing formed'all over the electorate. Mr. Dive is likely to receive many votes 111 tho southern part of the electorate, and a rather unworthy attempt is being made by certain sections of electors to create unpleasantness, because some months ago, wheu Mr. Dive thought of retiring, Mr. Wilkinson was selected a® the next lieform candidate for tho electorate. Even if Mr. Wake does stand, the election is regarded as a certainty for either Mr, Wilkinson or Mr. Dive, with tho chances in favour of the former.