Coming Elections

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 379, 11 September 1908, Page 2

Coming Elections

TAUMABUNUI. Mr Bo water Las announced himself as a candidate for the above constituency, in the Opposition interestF, THE WESTERN MWRI SEAT. The Huntly cor respondent uf tbe Waikato Argus writes: — “The addresses given by Mr Keri Toki who acts as private secretary to King Mahuta, M.L,CI., at Kawhia where be advised his audience to do their utmost to advise Mahuta to stand for Parliament at the next general election, have aroused some consider able excitement in the native mind. Coming from & private secretary, Mr Keri Toki was- presumed to be inspired but from what has transpired it appears that Mahuta has at present no intention of opposing the present mem bar, Mr Henare Kaibau, but on tbe other hand, will shortly circulate a manifesto, now iu course ;of preparation at Waahi, among bis followers defining his position, and calling upon them to sapport tbo sitting memberThe split in rtbe party which led to the exclusion of Tupu Tainakgawa from the premiership, has apparently grown wide. Tbe sun of the “Kingmaker” is not inclined toeubmit tamely io loss of office, but aims at leading a party whose paraamoatary representative will be Mr ,Popone Eketouo, who will be nominated as the opponent, of Mr Kaihau. The differences do not appear to have arisen from variation of opinion on tbe native land policy, nor yet on tbe demaud for a form of native seif government, which, it is argued, is (heir due iu accordance with tbe terms of (he Treaty of Waitangi, aod of the Act of 1872. The question of leadership, disguised though it may appear to be, is at the root of tbe matter, and, should this be the cise, as it certainly seems to be, a bitter flight will bo the result, both parties havingacousiderable following. There is not the loasfc doubt that Mr Mahuta could carry the seat against ail comers, but be is a faithful follower of Sir Joseph Ward’s Government, and as each intends to give Mr Kai- 1 ban hie strenuous support. Iu addition to the two candidates mentioned, three others are expected to stand for this district, viz:—Mr Te Heu Heu, the well known Tanpo chief; Mr Te Kahu of Wanganui; and Mr Heiua, son of the late M.H.tt, Mr Ropata Te Ao. The contest will, in any case be an exciting one.”

Tbe reference toKawhia is iu connection with tbe meeting held here about a fortnight ago, the report of which, appearing in tbe Auckland and Waikato papers, states that 90 natives were in attendance, and that with only four dissentients Mahuta was chosen as their candidate. This is a very erroneous report, and was evidently ’inspired by some person who has some thing to gain. The facts are that there were ouly about 20 Maoris in attendance, and Mahuta’s candidature was not favoured, some of the older people expressing the opinion that for Mahuta to want te occupy such a menial position as a member of the House of Representatives was lowering to one of such high rank I