A KEEN' BATTLE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 50, 22 November 1919, Page 8

A KEEN' BATTLE

AUCKLAND EAST

MR. CLUTHA MACKENZIE MAKES A FiNE ' IMPRESSION

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Auckland, November 20. The contest for tilio Auckland East seat, at present held by tho Jlon. A. M. Myers, is attracting a great deal of interest, and is crowing moro intorosiiing ewry day. When the campaign began the general opinion seemed to lie that the return of Mr. Myers was almost a certainty, but since then tho outlook has undergone a remarkable ohangc, and the friends of Mr. Myers now admit that tlie contest will be an extremely close one. Mr. Clutha Mackenzie, the Reform candidate, who as mosti people know was totally blinded when serving in the Gallipoii campaign, has undoubtedly g'rippd the imagination of the public. A host of enthusiastic workers have gathered round him, and he is gaining ground at a great rato. Mr. Mackenzie himself is thoroughly enjoying the fight, and his good humour and optimism are contagious. His first meeting was a complete triumph from start lo finish. Every seat in tihe hall was occupied a quarter of an hour before the candidate stepped on to the platform, and after all parts of the building had been crammed the entrance was barred by the police, a large number of peopio being refused admittance. The candidate was greeted with prolonged applause and cheers, and received a most sympathetic hearing. His frankness, his unconventional style, and his sense of humour won all hearts. And the fine impression created by hi? speech was enhanced by tho successful manner in -which he passed through the ordeal of question time.

When asked if it was not strange that he should oppose the member who had been one of the chief Ministers in his father's Cabinet, Mr. Mackenzie, admitted that it was strange; but he added with a' smile that his only excuse was that ho had seen tlie error of his father's ways. This reply evoked a shout of laughter. Mr. Mackenzie plainly stated that he did not want people to vote for 'him out of sympathy, for his blindness, bat because of his platform, his ideals, and his capacity to represent them in Parliament. He wanted to prove that blind soldiers were capable of other things besides organ-grinding and basketmaking. Mr. Myers, in-his opening speech, insisted very strongly on the need of sending to Parliament men of experience, judgment, and business ability, But Mr. Mackenzie's' speech showed that in spite of his handicap he is a better platform man than his opponenl, and it also demonstrated the falseness of the insinuations of the other side that he is lacking in political knowledge and capacity. Mr. Mackenzie scored a good point when he asserted that long experience of politics yas not the great thing to be desired ill a member, The trouble was that politicians were apt to get into a rut and Become too good at the old game.

Mr. Mackenzie is in tho Happy position of having no need to make long and elaborate personal explanations and apologies, nor has he indulged in any personal references to his opponent. It H going to be a clean and good-tempered ficht as far as be is concerned, but it will he a vigorously fought one. The canvass for the.soldier-candidate is reported to have so far been most favourable. and the bright nrospects thus disclosed have been confirmed by the success of his first meeting, which exceeded all oxpectations. In fact, it is the talk of the'town. , , The supporters of ihe' Opposition candidate now fully realise that thev have a Wit task in front, of them. Their first public meeting was not .by any means a liTilliant commencement. The npologetie note was too pronounced. There was too much whining and exDlaining, and too litHe enthusiasm. There was no "swing" in the proceedings. The general effect was rather depressing All hope of an overwhelming- majority for Mr. Myers has already departed, and the opinion is growing that if he wins at all it will b" bv a very narrow marou. But the solid'fact remaips that Mr. Myeri is a very strong onndidate. He has a long record of n.-eful citi7. p nshin and his campaign is sure to be conducted actively and resourcefully. Ho now knows'that he has an opponent with many winning nualitics. and is not hkelv to be caught nanping. 'The La.bou"'condide 11 ; 'Mr. Wav 1 ! d"«s not appear to be making nrotrress. He will have to be content with third place lit the poll, but his candidature is cer» tainlv weakening Mr. Myers's chances. If Labour polls a.i well as some people expect, the Auckland East seat, will nrobiblv bo captured bv the Reform Party, but the strength of the' Labour vote is an unknown quantity. >The battle is being watched with the keenest attention. It is in some respects the mpst spectacular rontest in th's of the Dominion. The defeat of Mr. Myers would be a staggerin? blow to the Liberals, and 'defeat is well within the bounds of possibility. Mr. Mackenzie's supporters are. full of hope and confidence, and many of those, who are in a good position to Judge think that the soldier candidate has a good chance of topping the poll.