THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. MONDAY, DEC. 7, 1908. MAORI ELECTION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 113, 7 December 1908, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. MONDAY, DEC. 7, 1908. MAORI ELECTION.

The result of the contest for the Western Ma >ri electorate furnishes somewhat striking proof that the Maoris, though still dominated greatly by the Rangitira element,are gradually throwing off the restraint and are beginning to exercise their individuality. At any previous contest for the seat, the nominee of King Mahutu would have had little trouble in securing a majority of votes against all comers. In the contest just concluded, the sitting member though successful in getting elected, undoubtedly owes his return to the fact that five candidates went to the poll. In a straight-out contest with Pepene Eketone there is every indication that Kaihau would have suffered defeat, and it is a matter for regret that the second ballot does not apply to Maori elections. The votes recorded for the successful candidate do not represent a third of the total polled, and it is recognised that in a straight-out contest the sitting member would not improve greatly on his first effort. Widespread regret is felt over the defeat of the local candidate, who put up a really good fight, and it may serve to solace Pepene Eketone in his defeat to know that his disappointment is shared, not only by the most advanced of his own race, but by every European in the district.