MAORI ELECTION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 112, 3 December 1908, Page 2

MAORI ELECTION.

The election for Maori members of Parliament took place yesterday, considerable interest being taken in the event locally in consequence of the candidature of Pepenc Eketone, who was expected to put up a good fight against the sitting member, Uenare Kaihau, who is supported by Mahutu, the Maori king. The Western Maori electorate covers an immense area, between Waikato and Otaki, in which there are no less than 126 polling places. Altogether, five candidates went to the'; poll, the names being Henare Kaihau,Pepene Eketone, Te Heu Hcu Hema te Ao, and Emere te Kaku. As> was to be expected, Pepene" Eketonft| polled well at Te Kuiti, where ;.9§ votes were recorded for him against 6& for Kaihau. i

As was expected, Waikato to be the stronghold of Kaihau, and> heavy poling at the various centre!" within the zone of Mahutu's influence resulted in the Maori King's establishing a strong lead. A gram received at Te Kuiti about o'clock, announced that Kaihau theii, had a majority of 505 over Pepene. t __ M By Telegraph. Kihikihi, 12.30 this d*£ v f The following- are. the totals: ujp $o the present received from the AstUfiOn ing Officer, Mr Grace: — Kaihau 2$S5 Pepene .. .. 1486' , Heuheu .. 1186 Te Ao' .. .J' 1148' <' Kahu .. .. ,Bfis,, _