The Southern Cross. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. Invercargill, Saturday, Oct. 14. THE ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 28, 14 October 1893, Page 8

The Southern Cross. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. Invercargill, Saturday, Oct. 14. THE ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN.

On every side preparations are being made for the coming political fray. Old Parliamentary hands and the younger men who fhope to represent the new blood in the next Parliament are alike eager, and the largely augmented number of “ free and independents ” throughout the land will soon be in possession of the views of the respective candidates. “ What will the women do ?” is the one great question. They are enrolling rapidly and largely, and they have given unmistakeable proof that they mean to exercise their newly-gained rights to the full, but he would be a rash mortal who should volunteer offhand a reply to the above question. The results of the colony’s “leap in the dark” will largely depend on the organising ability displayed by the various forces —educational, temperance, labour, and other—now at work. But one thing may be taken for granted, and that is, that with the exception of the fortunate few who will be returned unopposed, the successful candidates will be put on their mettle now that they have to appeal to a much larger array of voters than hitherto. With regard to the local elections, no one has yet formally declared himself against Mr Kelly for Invercargill, but it may be taken for granted that he will not have a walk-over. For Wallace, Mr J. Mackintosh is threatened with a host of opponents, among them a former representative of the old Hokonui seat, Mr C. Cowan, It is evident that the farmers in this electorate are taking concerted action, but their choice has not yet been declared. In the Mataura district, Mr E. McHab, one of our rising lawyers, is out, having opened the ball at Gore on Thursday night as a temperance man and supporter of the Government. Mr J. Christie is also on the warpath, and Mr W. Halliday’s name has been mentioned, but it is believed that Mr G. F. Eichardson will find in him of the legal profession the most formidable member of the trio. For the remaining Southland seat —Awarua—the Hon. J. G. Ward is certain to be re-elected unopposed.