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Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1925, Page 2

The general election for Parliament which is to take place this year will excite wide interest because of the complexities of the position. Politics are uncertain always, and on this occasion more so. The interest is to lie fanned into a glow at once by tire fact that the members of the Labor Party are to make a general assault 011 the electorates, and begin a well planned .stumping tour, covering practically the whole of Ihe Dominion. The Labor party contemplates contesting practically all the seats 011 this occasion, so that the initial c-ffort now is the gathering of its forces. There was some talk of the Liberal party making a tour of New Zealand to talk politics,

but- politics were so stale a subject after the late session that the idea il not abandoned, was postponed. Reform is net on tour, but Ministers are on the wing generally and visiting many remote parts of the Dominion. The visits are all more or loss helpful, and their purpose can l>c well understood. Regarding this electorate, Ministers will be paying it some attention, and the Member for Westland has begun a stumping tour, opening at Kumara on Saturday night. No doubt Mr O’Brien will travel further afield, for Westland is a large electorate to serve. As to the opponent of the sitting member, Mr Seddon lias announced already his intention of (ontesting the .-.eat. and will begin a south tour campaign in a few weeks’ time, ft is understood there is another '“dark” horse likely to enter the field, no doubt on the Reform or independent ticket. For tactical reasons the name of the gentleman is not disclosed, hut the preliminary preparations for his candidature are being made. This would again causing a triangular fight, but profiting y the last experience, the electors will

l,e wiser and will not be caught so readily by “chaff”. 'Westland will, therefore, be a very active centre in the general election, and the position will Ire governed also by the action the Goveryment may or may not take in tilling the vacancy in the Upper House from the northern end of the electorate. Grcyinouth lias designs on that political plum, and if the fruit does not fall the right way the effect will be on the voting at the general election. It is not unlikely that the coming Ministerial visits to the Coast are associated with the selection .if a representative for the Legislative Council. There is occasion to be very circumspect at this juncture, and the Ministry is moving warily in the matter. Hut the action will have, its effect on the polling next December.

In- a late issue a correspondent wrote suggesting a return to the. old time custom of marking the passing of the old year, and the birth of the new with a community gathering of which a. torchlight procession and a fireworks display were leading features. The function was killed during war time, and there has hoen no attempt to revive it, even though the community gathering is missed greatly by one and all. New Year’s Eve was the night of the year for old and young alike. There was a delight ill perambulating the main street, while the firemen made preparations for the procession moving from the north eiul of licvell Street. The procession was followed always hv hundreds of people, while ns many more lined the footpaths and watched the hand and the brilliantly lit carriages go by. Perhaps there might fie a. difficulty nowadays about liorse.s to draw the vehicles, hut motor lorries would hardly lie a substitute suitable, unless it was desired to add specially to the pyro-techuic display by a realistic hurst of flame. The procession toured the principal thoroughfares and then arrived at the principal fin- station, where the real fireworks display took place. The hand played and the hell tolled, and the old year died, and the new year was horn in a blaze of colored light and much loud sound. That the public appreciated these annual gatherings was emphasised by the fact that they stood about in hundreds waiting for midnight and the gay ceremonial. Afterwards folk wended their way home satisfied that they had done t.lio occasion honor, and joined in the celebration to mark the advent of the new year. The function of course was a toll on the time of the firemen and others who helped to conduct the celebration so successfully. The business people not uncheerfully found the funds for the occasion, and were not slow to give praise where praise was due for the success of the event. Whether the old time custom (ail lm revived, a custom which was distinctive to the town, depends on individual interest and energy. No doubt if the funds were provided, a way would ho found Vi mark the occasion a.s of old. It is well, at least, to suggest the revival, for it gives an opening to positive action if the business people, and tin' public* generally care to see the community gathering revived. And it is just as well to speak betimes so that the pres and eons can he gone over in due season.