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Hokitika Guardian, 5 November 1925, Page 2

Tim result of the polling in the 'Westlaud election is not conclusively known as yet. The figures recorded are large, but the totals so far revealed are close, and with tbo number of absent voters still to be accounted for. the result remains in doubt. As it stands. tbo odds appear to be in favor slightly of the sitting mender, who as far as tbo polling is revealed, lias gained a moral victory. The poll is a large one. pro--1 ably the largest on record for the seat, and while it is reported Millie were too apathetic to vote, it would appear that tin' aggregate vote shows great, iuIcrest in the contest, despite the quiet, air of the election itself. It is manifest at once, when comparing the figures with those of three years ago. that the votes which previously went to the other candidates before, were rather evenly divided now. This would indicate that the advice of Mr Coates to the 'Westland electors was not heeded to a great extent. In Hokitika Mr Sedtlon secured a good majority, hut at Orcyinonth his margin to the good was small. It was expected that tlie two towns would decide the election but. that was not so, the polling for the ex-member in bis home town l>eing iniicli below expectations. r l lie final result < annul be know in the circumstances for some days, as absent votes were recorded all over the Dominion. and their arrival will he guaged by the postal facilities. As the matter stands at present. Mr O’Brien has everv reason to be satisfied with the result. as far as it lias gone—even il be should fail in the final figures. Tie lias polled exceedingly well under the circumstances. and the verdict, of the people cannot be otherwise than accepted

for it is filial for the time being. Tile candidates contested the election keenly and thoroughly and the result must le received therefore as that of the voice of the people, which has to prevail.

At the interesting gathering i his week in connection with the All Saints’ Clmreli jubih'e the recollections recounted "f "the brave days of old" carried the memory bark as old laniiliar names Here mentioned. Ihe pioneers of the early days were trihtited deservedly. and it was pleasing to have their memory revered. I lie pathfinders who made their way to the Const, in the middle sixth'*- were all men of i mirage and resource. Without thus' qualities they conbl not have reached here. Tlie way was trackless, and the town and its environs, also trackless. But the fact that it. took courage and re* source to reach here, ensured the fact that the men who came were real men. e<ini|H‘tout and (b'termined to make good. 11l regard to the church work the story was told of the difficulties the clergy bad to encounter, yet there was a ready response to tbo call for cash to erect church buildings and quarters for the clergy. The churches were established very speedily, showing that though the times were rough and the customs difficult, that inherent trail of goodness in human character quickly asserted itself, and the true ebaractoristies of the men were demonstrated by the readiness with which they associated to build their churches and never failed, even in the most difficult times to maintain them. Tbo sustained energy of the past might, well lie an example for the present and the future to demonstrate accordingly for the common good.

Rkadkhs of Sir Samuel Hoaro’s “A Flying Visit to the Near East’’ may, at first glance. remarks a reviewer, Ik* misled liv tla> title. If his sojourn was as brief as would seem to l:e implied. why did he feel called upon to write a hook about it? But the trip which Sir Samuel describes was quite different from that which is undertaken by the ordinary globe trotter. The position was that the mandates over Iraq and Palestine have imposed a very heavy financial burden upon Britain. Although economics have been effected they did not go far enough, and there was one direction in which promising possibilities were indicated. A great part of the expenditure is incurred upon the garrisoning of the countries. Tn the Middle Bast, conditions are very suitable for the employment of aircraft, and experience had shown that aeroplanes could supervise the i nimbi touts and maintain order at a (fist, that was insignificant compared with that involved in the use of other branches of the service. The flovernment decided to double the air force. Clearly the Secretary of State for Air was hound to acquaint himself with the terrain for which lie had to make provision, and it was thoroughly appropriate that lie should fly. He was accompanied l>v Mr L. Anierv and several officials. The distance covered was over 3500 miles, and the flying time 50 hours. Sir .Samuel confines himself sternly to the matter on hand. His business was to conduct a tour of inspection and his bonk gives an account of this and no more. But he makes us realise that Britain has assumed a very arduous responsibility in the Middle East, and that the criticism directed from certain quarters against her execution of it is ill-informed or malicious.