ANOTHER REFORM VIGTGRY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1548, 18 September 1912, Page 7

ANOTHER REFORM VIGTGRY.

EdMONT ELECTION

MR. WILKINSON WINS.

MAJORITY OF 577.

(By TelesraDh—Pree« Association.) Eltham, September 17. The last meeting of the Egmont election campaign was held last evening, in tho Town Hall, when the Government candidate (Mr. Wilkinson) addressed the largest meeting yet held. Although thero were a few interruptions, on tho whole he received a good hearing, but the meeting broke up without the usual complimentary votes. The polling to-day went on very actively. Motor-cars and other vehicles were extremely.plentiful, and keen interest was taken. The supporters of each candidate professed the utmost confidence of winning, the general opinion being that tho contest would prove very close. The" following are the results of the polling:—\ . : -. C. A.. Wilkinson (Massey Government) 2705 i. L. A. Astbury (Opposition) 2128 , Majority fop Wilkinson ...' 577 The result of the polling at the last general election (December, 1911) was as follows:— . The Hon. T. Mackenzie , (Ward Government) ~3009 B. Dive (Reform) '. 2682 Majority for Mackenzie ... 327 THE CANDIDATES. The Eltham ''Argus" (an Opposition journal), in an article on Monday ( on the merits of the two candidates, stated: — "The two candidates, Messrs. Astbury end Wilkinson, have been commendably active, and there is scarcely a corner of the electorate to which they have not penetrated and made known- their politi-j cal views. Egmont has been fortunate jn having two such active and capable men come forward and offer their political services. Either of them would do credit to the constituency as its Parliamentary representative. .

"Mr. Wilkinson has been for many years a resident in the electorate, and has mndo his mark ns a particularly shrewd and capable commercial man. His enterprises in this town are well-known, and he stands out as a most successful man who has built a very large business from a very small beginning. The argument that a man who has successfully managed his own affairs is a, fit man to be entrusted with the affairs of the people is one that may fairly be used in regard to Mr. Wilkinson's candidature.

"Mr. Astbnry, the hope of the Liberals, is an exceedingly strong candidate. He has a good knowledge, of the past political history >of tho Dominion, particularly with regard to the strenuous struggles of the Liberals, and he makes good use of his knowledge when on the platform. That he is a typical working farmer niust.tell greatly in his favour in an electorate such as this." '

In a contributed article in • Monday's "Argus,", it is stated rhni '"Jfi-.Ttrilitin-son is a pronounced freeholder on the land question,, which he applies to the town equally as to the country•'districts." Hβ endorses the policy put forth by the Eeform Government,' and also advocates other legislation which is calculated to be in tbetet interests of the people of this country. In addition to valued services Tendered his district, as member of the New Plymouth Harbour Board, Mr. Wilkinson has also taken active part in school committee, municipal, and other local affairs. For a number of' years past the town of Eltham has been very progressive in every respect, and Mr. Wilkinson's ability and energy have figured prominently in bringing this about. There is every reason to believe that the residents of the town which ho has done bo much to improve will render him their hearty support on the present occasion, and thus secure the services of a very capable representative/' •