POLITICAL NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 64, 2 August 1912, Page 4

POLITICAL NOTES.

EGMONT BY-ELECTION. We understand that Mr. C. A. Wilkinson is hurrying hack from America to contest the Egmont by-election. He expects to reach Taranaki on or abaut the 17th inst. The 'election will take place in about five or six weeks' time. In consequence of Mr. T. Mackenzie's appointment to the High Commissionership, and his contingent resignation us member for Egmont, Mr. B. Dive, th« I former member, has decided to be a ean--1 didate at the by-election.—Hawera Star. It is difficult to say who will be taken up as the Opposition is understood' that Mr. G. P. Wake's health is not suiUciently robust to allow Aim to enter upon a political campaign, and Mr. W. J. Jennings' candidature ig not likely to be favored by the Opposition party should be offer himself. A name that stands in favor is that of Mr. Duncan Scott, of Kapuni. He is a typical farmer, and was a staunch and loyal supporter of Mr. T. Mackenzie. Whether lie would oiler his 'services has not yet teen ascertained.—Eltbam Argus. STATE ADVANCES. (From our own correspondent.) Wellington, Last Night. No fewer than 5355 applications for loans, totalling £2,503,084, were received 'by the State Advances Office last year. The advances actually granted were to 413(1 applicants, for amounts totalling £2,174,085. From the commencement of business advances were granted to 30,910, totalling £13,719,4-15, but of these 4133 were declined. The amount authorised and the actual sum lent amounts to £12,051,380. Advances now outstanding amount to £7,301,028. The average freehold advance is £4BB, and the average leasehold advance £273.. The gross profits for last year amounted to £752 10s. and the net profits to £03,270. To the sinking fund was added a sum of £77,478 during the year. Ona freehold security was realised by the Department during the year. In the advances to workers branch, during the year a sum of £513,840 was lent to 1024 applicants. The total advances under this head since 1!K)7 now amount to £2.100.005. The amount of loans lent to local authorities was £1,047,484.