WESTERN MAORI ELECTION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 418, 29 November 1911, Page 3

WESTERN MAORI ELECTION.

The contest, for the Western Maori | electorate at the forthcoming election ■ of native members of Parliament pro- ! mises to be keenly contested. I'epene j Eketone is carrying on a vigorous campaign and is meeting with excellent support in the southern portion of the electorate. A pleasing feature of the present contest is that <he issue will probably be narrowed by reason 1 of the withdrawal of n number oC ' aspirants who announced themselves . as candidates some time ago. The sitting member, Henare Kailiau, is again in the field, his opponents being Pepene Eketone and Dr Pomare. Judging from the support accorded to Pepene Eketone at last election when the opposition to Kailuui was split, up into numerous factions, the To Kuiti candidate should possess an excellent chance on tftis occasion. The weliknown Taupo chief, Te Heu lieu, who has stood for election or. several occasions, is, it is understood, working in Pepene's interest on this occasion, ; while a number of southern districts which were pledged to local candidates at previous elections are also directing their efforts towards the return of Pepene. Exactly what effect Dr Pomare's candidature will have it is difficult to estimate, but with the reduced field it is certain that the sitting member will require to poll j heavier than he lias done previously to secure election.