The Wanganui Herald on the Rangitikei Seat.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 79, 30 September 1893, Page 2

The Wanganui Herald on the Rangitikei Seat.

The present member for Rangitikei bas more tban once since bis last election given it to be understood that he does not intend to stand for reelection, as be is about to leave tbe colony on a lengthened tour of tbe world. The seat is therefore open for competition, and three candidates nre already in tbe field, viz., Mr John Stevens, Mr F. Y. Lethbridge, and Mr Joseph Ivess. The former gentleman has represented the Rangitikei electorate before, and displayed considerable zeal and ability as a legislator. Mr Lethbridge has | not as yet sat in the House of Represen tatives, but he has had considerable experience in the work of tbe local Governj ment. The last of tbe above trio, Mr [vess, the well-known newspaper planter, ha?, like Mr Stevens, had Parliamentary experience, baying represented a South Island constituency for some time. Personally the candidates above-named are all men of considerable ability and good standing ; practically, tbe first and lastmentioned are on the Liberal side, whilst Mr Lethbridge is a staunch Conservative, and opposed to the Government. The Liberals of Rangitikei sbould hold a caucus at which delegates from each polling centre should be present, and settle upon a candidate to contest the election in tbe Liberal interest. By doing so they will close up their ranks, concrete their strength, and secure tbe victory. That Mr Stevens will be the choice ofthe party to contest the seat we have little doubt. It is, therefore, worse than folly for Mr Ivess to try and thrust himself into a fray, where he can only damage the cause he says he is anxious to help to victory. If he wishes to help the Conservative candidate, he cannot do so more effectually than by having his own name included in tbe list of candidates on the Rangitikei ballot papers, as every vote cast for Mr Ivess would weaken Mr Stevens, and help Mr Lethbridge, That Mr Stevens would defeat either of the other aspirants for the seat singly goes without saying, judging by past elections, and it is probable tbat he will Btiil bead the poll even with a second Liberal candidate in tbe field. It is the most selfish folly for two men on the 6ame side to contest a seat for which there ia another aspirant from the opposite party in tbe field