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Hokitika Guardian, 23 November 1933, Page 4

The Bailer electorate decided yesterday, as was expected in favour of the candidature of Mr P'. C. Webb, the well known Labour representative. This result was achieved in,the Plain in the knowledge that “Paddy was the next best tiling.” The opposition hardly hav e been weaker, yet the showing it made in all the circumstances, was remarkable. The poll was much smaller than at the general ejection, when a total of 8641 votes were recorded ,as 'against 7332 yesterday. The late Mr Holland’s majority was 3631 against the more modest of 2467 yesterday by Mr Webb. The voting in the town of Westport wa s interesting, Mr Webb’s ma'ovity be'ng 199 ag against 227 secured by Mr Holland. The drop in the poll had some significance in an electorate where the most of the electors are so much engrossed in politics. However, as the election, proceeded tbs,re were signs of a rife in the Labour Jute, aim it appeared at one stage as if a rival candidate .from Labour ranks would be forthcoming. But all possible influence was brought to bear, and in the end matters were patched up. That there has been some rankling left behind, is indicated both by the decline in the ipoll, and in particular, the number of informal votes. However,’ Mr Webb is in a secure position for the time being and it will be for him to satisfy his critics during the term of office. The new member has a difficult task to fill to follow the late member. Mr Holland was invariably on the spot, and nothing seemed to escape his notice. He was in constant touch with

Ministers, every little requirement being emphasised. The position has grown more difficult since owing to the stagnation in the coal industry. This was 'an aspect which troubled Mr Holland gl'eatly, who did Hot 'consider the outlook at all hopeful. On his last visit to Hokitika, he remarked that the prospects n't this end of the ,Coast appeared very bnight, and he wished he could say the game of the other end. Mr Webb will need to work all the harder in the endeavour to fill the bill. His return

to Parliament is certainly a compliment to him personally, and he will 'be gratified to find after the storm and stress of rhe poll, he still has a ge n erou s measure of confidence among hi s miner •friends.