WESTLAND ELECTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1799, 3 July 1906, Page 2

WESTLAND ELECTION.

NOTES AND JOTTINGS.

The keen interest taken in the Westland election was evident by the numerously attended and enthusiastic meeting which Mr M'chol addressed at Hokitika. He had his audience with him from the first to the last word, and if he meets with similar receptions in other parts of the district there would appear to be some prospect of his prediction that he would be returned by a large majority beiog fulfilled. But the Hokitika audionoe, acoordiog to the supporters of Mr Tom Seddon, are not to be taken as a criterion of the feeling in other parts, acd though Mr Miobel is well and favorably known throughout the length and breadih of the electorate, he will have to oonlend against a very strong body of opinion pro S;ddon. Nevertheless the generally expressed anticipations are that Mr Seddon will have a tough fight to beat Mr Michel on equal terms. The report, which I am given to under* stand is unfounded, that the Hon. J. Carroll and Mr MoKenzie, M.H.R., are to stump the electorate in support of the candidature of the son of the late Premier has not oreated a favorable impression. Mr Miohsl, speaking of tbis report, Bnid that a deputation of Weßt Coasters waited on Mrs Ssddon at Wellington and misrepresented the state of pubiio feeling in the oonstituenoy, and that they were now beginning to realise the seriousness of the advice given. Mr Michel also said that if Messrs Carroll and MoKenzie anif outside influences were brought to frear on the e'eotors of Westland and (my artificial attempt made to keep op the wave of sympathy whioh he had heard so much about, he (Mr Miohel) would resent it, and not be slow to deal with Mr Carroll and Mr MoKenzie on the public platform, The oandidate quoted a telegram received by him from a great Liberal in Wellington, who said Westland will be the laughing stock of New Zealand if his (Mr Miohel’r) fair young opponent is re« turned. " It's hero worship," the great Liberal added, “ run riot.”

Despite the enthusiaßtio rature of Mr Miohel’s meetiog, the supporters of Mr T. Seddon are very confident that their candidate will bo returned.

As a sample of the arguments used by some of Mr Tom Addon’s supporters, take the remarks of Mr Bruoe, Mayor of Boss, made at a meeting for the formation of the Kumara committee. If Kumara didn’t support Mr Beddon, Mr Btuce said, well, God help Kumara. Young Seddon had all behind him—from the Premier to the Government whips. Mrs Seddon’s message to tho people of the Coast was: "If they et'ck to me I'll stick to them,” and the speaker added, " Remember Mrs Seddon’s power is going to bo a factor in the politics of New Zealand,” This point of .view, that Mr Hnddnn wilL-ho able* owing to Ministerial ioflaence, to obtain more for Westland than aDy other oandidate will probably ioflaenoe a large number of voters. Wellington Post Special.

TOM SEDDON IN WESTLAND,

A SUCCESSFUL MEETING,

{Ess Presa Aanoclatlcm.) ' Kumara, last night Mr Tom Seddon, candidate for the Westland seat, addressed an oveiilowing meeting this evening. He met with a splendid reception. The Mayor presided. He alluded to the coineidenoe that 22 years ago the candidate first Baw the light of day, and his indnetrions father was returned member for Kumara. After returning thanks for the many

kindnesses shown to bim and family, he promised that no effort will be wanting on his part to emulate the example of his father. A statement had been made that be had no right to come Being a West Coaster he consider he had every right, but he did not wish to bo returned out of pure sympathy. He desired to be given a obanee to distinguish himself. A lengthy referenoe was made to the mining and means of developing it, especially bringing olectrioal power more in general übp. While intending to support the present Liberal party and Government, be reserved to himself the right to criticise their notions. 0 i the land question he announced himself strongly opposed to the unsettled freehold, and thought the pre sent tenures, combined with land for settlement, were net sufficient to meet all requirements. Looal Government required immediate attention, and he would suppo*t the comprehensive scheme already prepared. The Annuities Bill was a natural sequence of the Old Age Pensions 4.0 t. and wquld receive bis support. While emphatically in favor of the present education system he would like to see more attention given to technical education and a sohoo! of miaes established, The time had arrived, be said, when Sir George Grey’s echeme for a fiee breakfast table should be given effect to. He did not agrpe tyitfo (he pon'jjotion that the colony shou’d peace fcqtrowipg. He thought the accumulated wpa'th of the colony was sufficient to allow of further loans to finish the Main Trunk and many important district lines. JJj was in thorough aooord with his father to see Canterbury, Ot9go, and Westland bound j together with steel bands. He mada lengthy reference to the slat: mente of his opponent, Mr H. L Miche!

and in suppnrt of bis candidature be rood the following telegram'" We, members of tho Liberal party in Parliament assembled, with a desire to retain the honored name of Seddon in tha House, and for the

goodwill we have for yourself, combined with onr aflf etioa f r ou: departed chief, wish you every success in your campaign in connection with the Westland B'ah—

Hornsby, Flatman, Wood, Smith, Colvin Rutherford, Lawry, Guinuess, Wilford, Symes, Hanan, Arnold, Houston, Field, Barber, Buddo, Sidey, Tanner, LaurensoD, Millar, Baume, McKenzie, E. G. Alien, Ell, Divey. Paraia, Remington, A. Frsser. Stevens, MoLachlaD, Ross, Iztrd. Ha’l, Bennett, Hogg, Barolay, Poland, Greenslade, Nga'a, Macpherson. - ’ He also read acablo from Sir Joseph Ward, wishing him success. The speaker concluded ao bout’s spceoh with feeling reference to the oordial rela-

tions that always existed between the Seddon family am) Coasters, and he was awarded a unanimous vote of thanks

and confidence.