Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, DEC. 8, 1896. The Election.

Manawatu Herald, 8 December 1896, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, DEC. 8, 1896. The Election.

The fight is over, and we think it will, in a short time, be admitted thati the man best for the district has been elected. The issues between the Government and the Opposition were not very important, having descended to a mere question of men instead of measures. There are many points in the administration of the .public business of the colony we do not in anyway agree with the Government, and that, the Opposition have rightly made the most of ; but it appears the electors are not displeased, and therefore we must look for both sides acting similarly in future. Putting this ono point aside, and remembering that the Opposition candidates have declared that were they elected they would leave the present legislation alone, it seems but fair that the men who initiated legislation, much of which we do not like, should be given tho opportunity of guiding and perfecting it. The result of the elections are no surprise to v?, as we pointed out a week ago no parly so badly organised, if organised at all, as the Opposition was, could hope for success against the well-drilled forces of the Govern meat side. Ii is a mallei- of gratification that the election passed off so pleasantly and well, locally. The throe candidates deserve the highest compliment for abstaining from any personalities, and also from personal canvas. We have said we are g!ad Mr Stevens was returned, bat Mr Bruce ha 3no need to lower his head, as ha came into the district w stranger, and by his outspoken remarks. made a heap of friends. We buiieve many vo't-cs wore gained by Mr Bruce, not from conviction that he was right, but from acmiration of his manliness of character in hitting out straight from the shoulder. Mr Kellow made the mistake of trying to run with the hare and bnnt with the hounds, and considering his tactics he polled very well. Understanding the views he made public about the Prohibition question, it was surprising to find, the day before the election, the town placarded with bills to " Vote for Kellow and no license." This candidate put too much faith in the promises of prohibitionists, and thus fell tc the ground. There were 1160 votes given for prohibition, and Mr Kellow polled 547! We hope the next time Mr Kellow woo 9 the electors he will appear befora them unhandicapped, when we think he will poll a much larger number than he has done at the election just past.