The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, March 3, 1914. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1215, 3 March 1914, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, March 3, 1914. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Quite a number of names have beeu mentioned in the press of probable Parliamentary candidates for tbeOtakiseatat the forthcoming general election. The political side of the Federation of Labour, known as the Social Democratic Party, are well-organi-sed and keep in close touch with their supporters in this electorate through the Flaxmills Employees Union, which employs an active secretary and organiser—the latter a well-known labour agitator. The Reds, are well centered round their man, the present M.P. Their organisation is as near perfect as it is possible to be. In order to stimulate and maintain interest in their cause, they arrange periodical visits of some of their orators while their M.P. keeps as much in the background as possible in order, possibly, to prevent staleness. The other political parties in the electorate could, with advantage, take a lesson in organising from the Reds, at present they are doing nothing. It is apparent that future political fights will be conducted on party lines, and in order to achieve success at the polls, each party will have to organise and work the electorates systematically. Nothing is definitely known yet as to what steps the Opposition are taking in this electorate in reference to selecting a candidate. Mr Field was the candidate last election. It is rumoured that be will contest the seat this year as an Independent, and some have gone so far as to suggest that he will bend the knee before Mr Massey and ask to be taken into the Government fold. It Mr Field comes out as a straight out Government supporter we have every reason to believe that his candidature will be acceptable to the Government following throughout this constituency and, further, be would bring a large opposition backing with him. The chances of his success at the polls as an Independent, however, are hopeless. It may be mentioned that Mr Field’s views on the Land Question are on all fours with the Government. It would not be much of a wrench for Mr Field to sever his connection with the old party and as a Government candidate bis chances of success would be almost assured. The name of Mr Pirani as the probable Government candidate has been previously mentioned. He is not a stranger to this electorate, having been over the ground on previous occasions. He is a born fighter with a grasp of politics second to none ; fearless and outspoken and untiring in his enthusiasm to better the condition of his fellows and to advance the welfare of the Dominion. He moves in a broader sphere than the common or garden variety of politician and, failing Mr Field, should prove an acceptable candidate. Mr Byron Brown also intends to have a flutter. We understand that a conference of Reform supporters representing the whole electorate, will shortly meet and select the candidate who is to stand in the Government interest.