BAY OF ISLANDS

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 13 May 1915, Page 2

BAY OF ISLANDS

EXPOSURE OF ELECTION-

EERING TACTICS

ANOTHER RICHMOND

IN THE FIELD

As the writer surmised would be the case some time ago, but dare not then publish, the result of the Election Court re the Bay of Islands election of Mr Vernon H. Reed, declares a new election is to take place, Mr Reed being ordered out of politics for twelve months. We have spent 35 years in the Bay of Islands, and know the district mile-by-mile and all parties concerned from Whanga* rei to the North Cape. We know of the^ many little political fakes " that have been worked from time to time, for one Government in power no more than another. The recent hearing of the case brought against Mr Reed by Mr Ned Evans of Waipapakauri, and others, has been a great exposure of electioneering tactics, but there are many others resorted to which have not yet seen the light of day. And now Mr " Willie " Stewart (a bosom chum of Mr Reed's and another political acrobat) is to be brought forward to keep the seat warm.

\The Auckland " Herald " will beSrun for all the " party " (mis-

named Reform) knows. Shades of Annanias! But already the wires have been pulled and there is no one like Mr Stewart or more fitted to contest the coming election in the interests of the Massey Government. Bah ! Rubbish! There are dozens of others better fitted to represent the people. Mr Wm. Stewart never gave a public speech in his life, and we should much like to hear his maiden effort. He is a general all-round cattle, house and property dealer ; has been a storekeeper, a gum-buyer, was once in McLaughlan's drapery of Auckland, owns several properties in Kawakawa and an interest in one of its two pubs ; but has never, though almost a native of the place, built as much as a house "on his own," for all a good man and highly respected by those who know him. He loves " fat," therefore would suit Massey's party far better than Wilkinson, who has failed in the attempt to get into Parliament too often now to try it on again. At least, a wise man would not. Of course it is too soon for us to pick the cards, and perhaps ourreaders, who are far removed from the Bay of Islands and know nothing of its peculiarities, do not care to follow us, who feel so much interested therein. Suffice to. say the ECHO does not think for a moment our old friend Mr C. J. Martin, the celebrated solicitor, would bother his head about the seat in the Liberal interests, and the only man we could choose to do that is Mr G. G. Menzies of Rawene, who, had he stood at last election —with Dr Buck out —would have beaten Mr Reed " hands down." There is yet time for him to do that.