BATTLE-EVE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1810, 24 July 1913, Page 7

BATTLE-EVE.

GREY ELECTION STRUGGLE,

GREAT EXCITEMENT. 0 CLOSE FINISH EXPECTED. (By Telegraph—Special Correspondent.) Hokitika, July 23. The West Coast is on (lie evo of one of the most exciting election struggles held in this part of tho Dominion, and that is saying a good deal, lor West Coasters havo a reputation lor taking their electioneering affairs very seriuusly. Tlie.ro is tremendous excitement, and the consensus of opinion is that the finish will he a close one. Both candidates havo put in a strenuous week. Mr. Michel opened las second campaign at Taylorville when tho "Red I'tds" organised a disturbance, and succeeded in heckling tlio Reform candidate. On Monday and Tuesday evenings Mr. Michel confined his energies to tho Groymouth. District. Tonight ho is at Recfton, recognising, probably, that the issue lies with tho electors of Grey mouth and Reefton.

In hlis sacond brfilut uampaigji Mr. Michel has been ably assisted on tho platform by Mi'. David Jones, and "with tho gloves off" both speakers dealt with tho Federation of Labour. On Monday a determined effort was mado to prevent tho Reform party speakers getting a hearing. The "Red Feds" from other parts of the electorate attended in a body, and loudly protested when their doings aud the intentions of tho federation wero exposed by Mr. Jones. The Reform organiser made a great impression, and castigated "the twin forces of Syndicalism and Socialism" in a most effective way. Mr. Michel took the platform later in tho evening, and quickly carried tho war into the opposito camp by charging members of the Federation of Labour with introducing tho sectarian issue in order to gain votes. Both speakers were unflinching in their denunciation of the methods of tho "lted Federation," and this tended to further incense the "Red Feds," who howled and yelled. If the • disturbance had any effect, it was to convert votes to Mr. Michel. Monday night's meeting was written down as one of tho rowdiest ever held in tho Grey, hut tho conduct- (f tho "Rod Feds" only served to show them in thoir true colours.

A Winding-up Meeting. Last evening Mr. Michel visited Cobden, a suburb of Grey, just over tho'Grey River, aud thero lio was accorded an eiithusiastic reception, while Jlr. Jones held tho fort in the Opera House till Mr. Michel arrived at 9 o clock. Both speakers got a great reception, and they spoke strongly and effectively. Tho atmosphere of the meeting can lie gauged by the following duel llr. Michel had with one of the leaders of tho federation on tho question of the money raised for tho Wailii strike:— Mr. Armstrong (interjecting): 'Tho money was raised for the wives and families of the strikers. He wished to say that the Federation of Labour had no quarrel with any individual employer. AVhat they did quarrel with was the idiotic system that created such a class. Mr. Michel: Mr. Armstrong says tho money was raised for the wives and children' of tho strikers, but no doubt somo of it fouud its way into the pockets of the agitators. (Applause.) Mr. Armstrong: Prove it. Mr. Michel: What keeps you? (Applause.) What keeps Semplo and tho others? What keeps the groat "Professor" Mills P (Laughter and applause.) In answer to another. remark, Mr. Michel said: "I did not intend to rcfiect on Mr. • Armstrong individually, but on tho wretched system of paid* agitators going about stirring up strife in order to keep their billets."

The meeting was orderly and enthusiastic, and concluded with cheers for the Reform candidate and tho Government. It should be mentioned that at last night's meeting his Worship the Mayor of Grey (Mr. G. Perkins) declared that the men who disturbed Mr. Michel's meeting on Monday wero not residents of Greymouth. Both Sides * Confident. The supporters of both candidates profess to bo confident that victory will bo 011 their side. It should be mentioned that Mr. Hanan, the defeated Liberal candidate, has publicly announced his intention of working and voting for Mr. Webb, while several of his leading supporters liavo followed his example. Some of the "Liberals" declare that Jlr. Webb will get a block Catholic vote, and is a certainty, but the same people prophesied that Mr. Hanan would win on the first ballot. Much has been made of tho likelihood of the Catholic vote going en bloc for Mr. Webb, but somo members of that Church discountenance the rumour. It is, however, a most exciting and somewhat bitter struggle, and Mr. Michel, if given a straight run, should win. • On tho other hand, if tlie great bulk of Mr. Hanan's supporters, through spite and disappointment, seek revenge, then.the Grey electorate will bo the first district to endorse the Red Federation policy. A more rational feeling is prevailing to-day anion? business men and peaceful workers, and every day Jlr. Jtichel is gaining ground. Had the second ballot been delayed for a fortnight, instead of a -week, Mr. Michel's election would be absolutely certain.