THE EGMONT SEAT.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1532, 30 August 1912, Page 4

THE EGMONT SEAT.

HE. WILKINSON AT MANAIA. Mr. C. A. Wilkinson, Government candidate iii the contest for tlio Eginoiit seat, addressed a largo meeting in (he Town Hull, Maiinia, on Tuesday evening (says the "Hawera Star"). The chair was occupied by Mr. T. M'l'liilliiis, chairman' of the W'aimato West County Council. The candidate said that it was tho first by-election since tho initiation of the .Reform parly Government, and the whole of the colony whs interestedly watching it. The electors of Eginont now had it in their power to speak with no uncertain voice ns to how they desired their politics to be run in future, and ho was confident that at tho ballot box they , would give the present* Government an opportunity to carry out reforms in the interests of good, sound government for (ho colony as a whole. (Applause.) The so-called Liberal party—the sham Liberals—did not re-, present liberal views at all. They wore really a party of stagnation, and they did jipt want to go forward. His principles were the same as those he held in 1908, and he had not changed them to suit tho occasion. Ills views were straightforward, and he did not want "catch" votes. If the electors honestly disagreed with the opinions of the speaker ho would respect them for that. But he was going to show them that his opinions were sincere, and that those of his principal opponent wore not sincere becauseho had changed his views very often indeed. He (tho candidate) was a practical man, and ho had a trait in his character that ho was a loyal man—ho believed in loyalty to tho people with whom lie was working; but ho was not one to bo tied hand and foot to any Government .if it was found to be wrong. If ho found that everything was not what it should bo ho would come back to the electors and say, "Hero's my resignation, if you wish it.'" To be in Parliament was not the whole aim of his life; his aim was to give tho best service he could to the country, and also to assist in its better government. (Applause.) Mr. Wilkinson mentioned that ho came to Elthara 28 years, ago, and there was then not a single building save the ono he lived in. Ho had lived in Klthaiu ever since, and he was confident that in Hint town, where he was best known, they would give him a majority vote on election day. He was told that Manaia was a strong Opposition town, and that ho would there get a hostile reception. Ho did not believe any such thing, and feit sure the Manaia people, when they heard tho true facts of his case, would not only give him a fair hearing and a. square deal, but would also give him their votes as well. He then outlined his platform at length. At the conclusion of his address, the candidate answered a number of questions. On tho motion of Mr. Hair, seconded by Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Wilkinson was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his able address.