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Hokitika Guardian, 30 June 1919, Page 2

It is being given out that the Westland sent at the next general election will occasion a three cornered contest—Labour, Reform and Liberal being represented in the field. Perhaps Welfare might yet make its appearance also. Labour, it is said, will he represented by Air James O’Brien, the West Coast member of the Executive of the New .Zealand Labour Federation. Reform according to credible report, is to find a champion in Mr J. D. Lynch (a native of Hokitika), and at present Mayor of Greymouth. Last, but not least, comes the Liberal candidate—the sitting member—Air T. F;. Y. Seddon who since 1906 has held the Westland seat against all comers. It is too soon to speculate as yet on the political chances of the contestants. The public "'ill require to know something of their political creeds and what kind of a standard they fightunder. As a member of the Labour Federation some inkling can be got of Mr O’Brien’s political tenets, but though we know Air Lynch so well as a business man, few will realise what are his political beliefs till they hear them from the gentleman in person. No doubt there will be full and free opportunity to glean something of the political mission lie would fulfil later. Of Air Seddon the constituency has a full knowledge. For thirteen years he has performed his duties honourably and well, not omitting his volunteering for war service when the Empire called. Air Seddon stands out as a soldier and a man, and what nobler type of representative need wc look for? But, as we remarked above, it is too soon to prejudge .in advance, and so further information as to the'politics of the aspirants will require to he awaited with patience.

To-morrow a conference of West Coast local bodies is to be field at the County Chambers, Hokitika to consider the Forestry legislation. At the last, meeting of the Westland County Council, and at the recent meeting of the Westland Chamber of Commerce, tho whole subject was gone into very fully. From the published reports the public will have caught some idea of the matter, and its importance to the Coast as a whole. Tho Conference, however, takes on a phase of special interest by reason of the fact that the Hon. AHuister in Charge of Forestry, Sir Francis Bell, is to be present. The County Council was moved to pass some strong remarks on the outlook as affecting the local body, and tlie sawmilling industry, and those representations were forwarded to the Arinister. Sir Francis has determined very properly to come down and meet the representatives of the local bodies, and go into the whole question. No doubt lie will give details of the Government policy at present lacking, and will be prepared to meet some of the local objections with a clear statement as to the national outlook. This exchange of views is sure to he useful, for Jiot only will it clear the air, but it should permit of a general settlement of several vexed aspects which at present perturbs the public mind. The local bodies will require some provision to recoup them for lost icviuie, and the people want to see the sawmilling industry saved from being hampered or checked in any way. The Conference should go a long way towards clearing up the whole matter which really is a menace to the immediate prospects of the Const.