THE TARANAKI SEAT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2069, 2 May 1907, Page 1

THE TARANAKI SEAT.

Tile re is very little sentiment in politics, says the Eltlmxn Argus. When the time comes that a member of Parliament is called away to his last rest his would-be successors are jl'.iickly in the field. • Candidates galore arc now spoken of in connection'with the vacancy that has been created by the death of Mr. E. M Smith. Mr. Malone, sojicitor, is reported as being a sure starter under any conditions. He has made it no secret for some years past that it is his ambition to enter tbe House, and this appears to be bis opportunity to test his strength. ]f lie outers the field it is understood that it will be as a Government supporter, probably ijasorving to himsolf a free hand .on the land question. He is a man of tremendous working power, has a ready command over language, is well-1 mown and may be expected to make the pace a merry one when he starts.

Air. Dockrell, the Mayor of New Plymouth, is confidently referred to as a likely starter on the Government ticket. He is undoubtedly popular, (is well-known by the old settlers, is “the people’s man” in New Plymouth and his wife is probably the most popular lady in New Plymouth, therefore likely to be a tower of strength to his candidature.

Other likely candidates are said to be Alessrs. Bellringer, Connett, Cock and Roy, hut of none of these do the people speak in such definite terms as "they do of Alessrs. Dockrell and Alalone.

There are some people who look to tho late Air. Smith’s own homo to supply tho vacancy. They point out how young Fisher succeeded to his father’s position and how, later on, Air. Seddon was succeeded by liis son, and they argue, that ono of Air. .Smith’s sons would secure a very loyal support from his father’s old friends and supporters. 'Wo understand that one of tho sons is very popular and respected and would poll well. Ono thing is certain, and that is that the Government will he, as usual, embarrassed with a plethora of candidates .desirous of standing on the Government side. This popularity of the Government ticket sometimes proves fatal to success. In this instance the probable rush of Gowrnmont candidates would appear to open wide the door for Air. Okey, who is sure to he the Opposition candidate. Of course it does not by any means create a certainty for Air. Okey. In a straight-out race between a Government and an Opposition candidate the former would win hands down, for Now Plymouth is pronouncedly Liberal. ' At the last general, election Air. Smith heat Air. Okey by 219 votes, the polling being Smith 1934, Okey 1715. notwithstanding tho fact that Air. Smith’s votes were cut into by Alessrs. Bellringer, Tiscli, and Alills. The analysis of' the votes on that occasion appears to be Government 34-JG, Opposition 1715.

AA r e understand that there will he very little delay in the matter, that the Government will quickly decide as to which candidate they are likely to support and the struggle, will commence promptly. Air. Alnssey’s appearance in Now Plymouth will add to the interest of the contest, Vliioli promises to he a very keen onq.