THE WESTLAND SEAT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8144, 29 June 1906, Page 2

THE WESTLAND SEAT.

CAMPAIGN OPENED. m pit km isaociripw, Hokitika, June 28. Mr Michael, a candidate for the vVestland seat, opened the campaign this evening, when an overflowing audience was present. After referring foelingly to the late Premier, the candidate announced his strict adherence to the Liberal party, and the leadership of Sir Joseph Ward, whom he described as the ablest man now in tha colony. The present political aspect waj much perturbed, and he believed the present House would not last three years. After shortly dealing with the finances of the oolony, he dealt with questions of so*ial and land legitlation. Referring to Mr T. Y. Seddon's candidature, he said the feelings of the people of Westland had been misrepresented at hoad quarters. He felt sure the people would resent it. It was a question with those opposed to •im that they were anxious to perpjtuato a name in Parliament, and was a deliberate attempt to jookoy him out position. He greatly

regretted having to oppose a man named Seddon. but in a domocratio country no seat should be transferred from father to son. He quoted the late Premier's remarks with reference to Mr Herdman residingin Wellington while representing Mt. Ida oonsti.

tuency when it was alleged the district suffored with absentee representation. The samo applied to the present oue, His oppononts told Mrs Boddon they ■ould put his fair young opponent in with out a visit to Westland. 'A prominent member of the Liberal party in Parlia. ment wired him to-day that Westland would make a laughing stock of itself by returning his fair young opponent, The speech created a most favourable impression.