Mr McKenzie Retires From Waihemo.

Manawatu Herald, 4 June 1898, Page 3

Mr McKenzie Retires From Waihemo.

At a meeting at Palmerston on Wednesday night the Minister of Lands addressed his constituents and at its close made the following announcement: — He had a painful announcement to make, painful because he intended to sever himself from a district with which he had been politically identified for a period of 37 years. It was not his intention to be a candidate for the constituency of Waihemo at the next general election. He had not arrived at this decision hurriedly, but had given the matter careful thought, and the interests of his own health he felt that he was not able to enter upon so arduous a campaign. No doubt the Opposition would say that he was leaving the district because he would not g«t in. This had been said on every occasion when he contested the seat, but in spite of this he had never been beaten, and if he ever returned to Waihemo he felt sure the electors would re-elect him. The reason of his retirement was that the constituency was altogether too big and entailed speaking at no less than 40 S laces. At the same time he wished to be understood that he did not intend to leave politics altogether. If the Liberal party required his services and a seat was secured which would not necessitate so much travelling, he would be willing to contest it. It was painful for him to part with so many friends, but the state of his health demanded his retirement, although he would serve them to the best of his ability up to the close of the present Parliament. The Opposition were already in the field with a candidate, and the Liberal part should bestir themselves to qbtain a suitable man to contest thejsea|.