Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1891. The Egmont Election.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 19 February 1891, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1891. The Egmont Election.

♦ A few short months ago the electors of Egmont had a hard battle td return Sir Harry Atkinson. The colony was glad to find the old politician appreciated. To oppose Sir Harry Atkinson was a mistake, but

in spite of all Mr McGuire polled well. Three years previously he very nearly defeated the same opponent. It is clear, therefore, that Mr McGuire had secured the support of one half of the electors, and had faith in them. After the generd election, the electors received ungra -.eful treatment from Sir Harry, by his throwing them over for his own advancement. We believed that Mr McGuire-, if he stood, would be easily returned, and so it has resulted, and we are pleased, not because we approve of the Government whose supporter he is, but because the past fights he has made entitled him to the seat. Ml 1 McGuire, has for many years taken a very active part in the development of that part of the country, and we contend these are the men who are entitled to a seat in Parliament if they desire it, or the settlers should not accept their services in other positions. The Opposition committed suicide when they chose such a man as Mr Bruce to fight Mr McGuire. Mr Bruce has never minced his objection to the colony relieving the country from the harbour rate, a point ok Which the electors feel naturally very strong. We are with Mr Bruce in his objections, but surely that should have been an excellent reason for not bringing him forward. The seat should not have been contested, it should have been passed over to Mr McGuire. Now the Governmont rejoice and claim the first by-election, and the Opposition have shown weakness in tactics and men. Very different action will have to be taken if they wish to oust those who now hold the reins of power.