The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1929.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1929.

A BY E-ELECT LON. The recent decision of the Electoral I Court upsetting the Bay of Islands election for the General Assembly, because of several irregularities, creates the cause for a fresh election, it is rather remarkable that in such contests so many irregularities are brought to light. The task of Returning Officers, or their deputies, to decide as to doubtful votes is.evidently not a light one. If seems to l.e a question whether the law should not lie more definite it its dumition of valid votes. Something more clearly expressed should be laid down. If there is any doubt in these matters, it seems rather obvious that Lin; voting paper should he invalid, lor it is not possible to decide accurately in every case what the intentions ol the voter were. Consequently where a voter fails to vote intelligently—that is m correct form as provided by the Act—then the vote should be put aside. 11 that course were definite in its application there would be less trouble at the Electoral Courts. However, another election is in sight, and doubtless il will be conducted with greater care as to the necessary details, than the lust one. It may he assumed that at least two candidates will again contest the election. On the previous occasion Air Rushworth, the sole elected representative of the Country Party, W',m the seat from Air A. Bell, who sf od in the interests of Reform. As Vir Rush worth supported the United Party on the test division in the House, mil became really allied under Sir Joseph Ward’s leadership, it is hardh likely the United Party will put forward a special representative. Mr Bell was the sitting member defeated at the last general election. Air Bell originally was nominally a Liberal, but li e others of easy political conscience, lie found it to his political advantage ior the time being niter entering Parliament, to vote with Air Alassey. U 1 late Air Bell was considered rather a douotful Reform supporter, hut the “Coates Wave” of three years ago decided Air Bell to continue his allegiance in that quarter. We should say that if now re-elected Air Bell will have lie per.•oiial difficulties in again ranging under the Liberal leadership, so that if either he elected, Sir Joseph may count on a supporter. It does not seem likely that Labour will put forward a nominee for the seat, being content perforce with the present position. The politioal position to-day is very different to that of November last when the general election took place. Polities were in the melting pot. The situation and outlook is now more definite. Sir Joseph Ward, Prime A 1 mister by the grace of his opponents, is making good, and neither party would seek openly at this juncture to defeat the l, hi teds. The Prime Minister is busy setting about carrying out his politioal pledges. He has succeeded with his financial negotiations and very properly is deserving of kudos. He ventured boldly and won out distinctively in approaching the London market. 01 course, a measure of credit is due to the late Government for its part in controlling the finances, hut the ex-Alin-' is ter of Finance just lacked the brilliance of Sir Joseph Ward in the matter ol setting his financial house in order. In other directions Sir Joseph’s colleagues are making good. They arc; comporting' thoiiisch es with a goad deal ol credit, and schemes are in hand to further land settlement, grapple with unemployment, and push on national works. All this ensures a favourable reception for the candidate in the Bay of Island election prepared to help with his vote in the Mouse for the good work. On that account it would appear to ho a matter of waiting for t..e numbers to go up to decide the election. It is rather an unusual position. hut the circumstance is just what would happen in most electorates at this juncture, if a fresh general election were forced on the country. The .people as a. whole wanted a political change. They have secured it. and now they are prepared to give the new Governments its chance to pull through. That conclusion about sums up the political outlook at present, with this addition, that there* is a good deal of quiet coulideneo in the ability of (lie now team to carry on for the advancement oi the Dominion. There appears to b* more opt imism among Hie people ps t > the immediate future. The national prospects are brighter to-day than they were three months ago. Prices for products are being maintained. That is a silver lining to the outlook which all can see and appreciate greatly. So the conclusion is reached

that the representative to be elected for the Bay of Islands seat will be in general and particular a voter for the Ward Aiinistry.