THE EGMONT SEAT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 84, 26 August 1912, Page 4

THE EGMONT SEAT.

FEELING AGAINST MR. MACKENZIE. It is no secret that Mr. Mackenzie's letirement from the representation of J'-gmont, consequent 011 big acceptance of the post of High Commissioner, has given rise to a good deal of dissatisfaction and provoked much uncomplimentary remark among his supporters in this part of the electorate (says the Mannia paper). It would be useless to attempt 1 0r obscure this' fact, and no doubt Mr. Mackenzie is not ignorant of its existence. It is contended, in the nrst place, that lie should not have accepted office without consulting .his constituents; that in not having 'done so lie committed not only an act of discourtesy, but was also guilty of a distinct breach of faith in breaking the terms of his election—these unwritten terms being that he was to oppose the punciples and policy of the Government, instead of which he took paid service under_ it. The indictment, it may be said, is framed at much greater length and in terms more explicit and sweeping than we have thought fit to employ. ANOTHER CANDIDATE. Mr. A. McKeown, of Pihama, announces in the Hawera Star that he will stand at the Egmont by-election as a candidate in the Liberal interest. Hence there are now three candidates in the field—one for the Government or Reform Party—Mr. Wilkinson—and two for the old Liberal or new Opposiiton sideMessrs. Asfcbury and McKeown.