GENERAL ELECTION.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 October 1922, Page 2

GENERAL ELECTION.

WEbTEAND ELECTOUATE. MU. SEDDuNS CANDIDATURE. The meeting convened ior last night at ihe bounty Chambers in tne interests of tne candidature of ilr T. E. Y. Seddon, the sitting Member, was well attended the roum being comfortably lilied. Tnose present included a number of ladies and much interest was evinced m the pioecedings. Mr 'l. \\. Duff, was voted to the cnair, and reappointed Cnairman of the HokitiKa Committee, having held that position at tne last general election. Mr Duff thanked the meeting for his appointment, and said that in Mr Seddon the the district had a very worthy representative and it would be a pleasure to a<rain work for his return to Parliament.

Mr D. J. Evans was reappointed Honorary Secretary to the local committee, and accepted the position as an honor. Mr Seddon, remarked Mr Evans had represented them very worthily and it would be a reflection on the Liberals if the name were removed from the parliamentary list of members. Ever since 1879 w*hen the late R. J. Seddon was elected as the junior member for the district, the name of “Seddon” had been honourably associated with Westland and the confidence reposed by the people in this district had been all for the benefit- of New Zealand at large. In their present member they had a very worthy representative who could lie relied upon to do them credit wherever he went. In the coming contest the party would he very worthily represented. A telegram from Wellington, dated yesterday, was read from Mr Seddon as follows:—“Give my heartiest greetings to my friends to-night. The battle ahead is going to he a difficult one, but we will prevail.” Mr T. Wilford, Lender of the Liberal Party, telegraphed : —“Please convey to Tom Seddon’s committee and supporters my best wishes. We want him back. His long experience and capacity entitle him to receive confidence, and cur party sincerely hopes that after the election it may have his valuable assistance.”

The Hon. J. Grimmond sent a very cordial message also, stating he was glad to hear steps were being taken to secure Tom Seddon's re-election. Mr Grimmond said he bad no doubt about the result. He looked forward to the Liberals asserting themselves all through the Dominion, in which Mr Seduon would occupy a more prominent position in Parliament. Mr Evans said they might adopt with every confidence the optimism of the Hon. Mr Grimmond ior their own outlook. The coming contest was going to lie a triangular one, hut if the Liberals stood united s ala ays they could give the same good account as before. Westland bad been Liberal over a very long term and the Party in Parliament had done so much over a long and notable term of office for all classes that they could rely on drawing support from all sides of the community. Their candidate was a very capable gentleman, and would always do the constituency every credit. A ladies committee numbering twelve was set up, and a small executive of seven gentlemen appointed. It was resolved to meet at regular intervals and take all necessary steps in regard to organisation to assure Mr Seddon’s reelection. The first action would be in regard to the revision of the roll and the addition of any names omitted, as well as attending to claims for absent \ iters’ permits. It was stated Mr Seddon was expected to arrive at Greymouth the following day, if Parliament concluded in time and it was probable he would commence the campaign in the north about the week end, and _ it would he in full working order next week. After spending a portion of his time in the north Mr Seddon would come south, and speak at Hokitika about the third week in November, and pay a visit to South Westland as far as time would permit. Various matters of detail were referred to the local Executive and the meeting closed, the Chairman expressing thanks on behalf of Mr Seddon for the very gratifying attendance and the interest displayed in the candidature of the sitting Member.

Mr J. O’Brien, the Labor candidate for Westland, visited Hokitika on Saturday on private business. Mr O’Brien expressed the hope of starting out on bis electoral campaign in about ten days’ time.

Mr J. Steer, the Reform candidate for Westland, has toured the Grey Valley already and has been visiting South Westland, and in the course of bis travels has delivered several addresses. Mr Steer has expressed gratification with tile reception accorded him at the different places visited.

AT INVERCARGILL. DUNEDIN, Oct 30. A large number of Invercargill Liberals being dissatisfied with the Hon Hanan’s attitude, have requisitioned Sir .T. Ward to stand. Sir Joseph lias consented to confer with the Liberals to-morrow evening at Invercargill before giving an answer.

CHRISTCHURCH EAST. CHRISTCHURCH, Oct 30.

Mr H. T. Armstrong, Labour candidate for Christchurch East, opened his campaign to-night, a good gathering of electors according him an attentive and orderly hearing. Ho spoke principally in advocacy of the Labour platform, and remarked that the problem of the present was who was to pay the huge interest bill of the country, the people with profits and wealth, or the working people through reduced wages and lower standard of living. ' That constituted the issue, and that issue would rest between the Reform and Liberal Parties, standing together for the. vested interests, and the Labour Party, who stood for the useful people of the country who did the work and produced the wealth.

The candidate was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence. THE TIMARIT SEAT. TIMARU, Oct 30.

Mr P. C. Vimiell (Labour) opened bis campaign for the Timaru seat in the Lyceum Theatre to-night in the presence of a large attendance.

The candidate took the N.Z. Labour Party’s platform en bloc as the basis of his address, and was given a good hearing in a meeting of over two and a-ha If hours.

At the close a vote of confidence in the candidate, and of no confidence in the Atfyssey Government wqs carried 4v*t*h* entJwiwwi . “