THE EGMONT SEAT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 95, 7 September 1912, Page 4

THE EGMONT SEAT.

MR. ASTBURY',S CAMPAIGN. - , -A-stbiirj-, the Progressive Liberal candidate for Egmont, delivered his first addiess at Warea on Wednesday night, to an audience of about forty. The night was not a pleasant one or probably more would have attended. Those, however who ventured out were treated to a splendid address. The candidate dealt trenchantly with the proposals of the Masoey Administration, his criticisms on tlie Guaranteed Land Tax proposal#. Civil Service reform, and Elective Legislative Council being; extremely forcible. His handling of the mistakes already' made by the Massey Administration though severe, was treated without vindictiveness, and after speaking for one hour and three-quarters a number oi questions were asked and answered straightforwardly. Mr Burgess occupied the chair, and the customary votes oi thanks were passed. After the meeting a strong committee was formed to further Mr Astbury's candidature. 'lttie candidate speaks hopefully of his chances at the poll, and says there is an enthusiasm on the Liberal side that must place him at the head of the poll.—(Contributed.) Mr. Astbury addressed about fifteen to. twenty electors in the Opua school on Wednesday and met with a good reception. After dealing shortly with the Liberal _ measures passed by 'his party, he criticised strongly the proposals of the Massey Government. The speaker made an interesting address and was listened to very attentively, many oi the points made being thoroughly appreciated. After the .address votes ol thanks to Mr Astbury and Mr Walsh,, the chairman, were carried togetbe* with the candidate's thanks for the use of the school, aand a committee was formed to further Mr Astbury's interests. The feeling here is that the polling for both candidates will he very even. Notwithstanding the exceedingly inclement weather a very fair number of settlers was present in* the Oaonui Hall on -Thursday evening to hear Mr D. L. A. Astbury, the Opposition candidate. Mr J. Young occupied the chair, and in: introducing the speaker made mention of the fact that Mr Astbury was a farmer who had taken a very active part in all agricultural matters, and 'had at heart the interests of the farmer and that in his opinion electors of Egmont.could not .go very far wron w in leturning Mr Astbury as their representative. Mr Astbury delivered an eloquent address on the political questions affecting the district, an address lasting over an hour, which was practically free from personalities, and which was greatly appreciated by all present. At the conclusion numerous questions were asked, and satisfactorily answered. A vote of thanks, moved by Mr Callaghan, nnd seconded by Mr J. Fleming, was carried unanimously. After the meeting a strongcommittee was formed to further M? Astbury's candidature.—(Contributed*.);

EGMONT BY-ELECTION. We are asked to insert the following letter, addresed to the Wellington limes: Sir, I -beg to ask you to me space to correct a statement that appeared in the Times a few days a<*o, and headed special from Manaia. In tlfe paragraph referred to the statement is made that the Reform candidate for Egmont, Mr C. A. Wilkinson, is making feeble efforts on the platform, and everywhere the Libei al candidate speaks 'ho is ff ain - * ing ground. I beg to point out that the lefeience to Mr Wilkinson is rather misleading, being quite contrary to fact. I have attended nearly all Mr Wilkinson's political meetings, and with the exception of two nights when he was sufi'eriiijt flom the efiects of a sore throat, his vigorous platform efforts have been a surprise even to his best friends...! may also mention that Haunch Opposition supporters show a decided dislike to M* Wilkinson's criticism'of their candidate's views, and if of a feeble~orde* they would scarcely bother about it. An legaids the latter part of the sentence referred to, the result of the poll will be sufficient answer. Another portion ol the supposed news item, which read*:' •There is a feeling abroad that Mr Dive has not been treated fairly," i fi also open to question. Mr Dive's letter of withdrawal from the contest was given full publicity in the newspapers, " and his reasons fully explained. Neither the Gevernment nor its followers desired to run two candidates for the seat, but it is easily understood why the Opposition would have preferred to see two Govern, rnent supporters contesting their one. As this is now highly improbable, there seems to be some scheme for trying to estrange Mr Dive's friends from supporting the Government. Thanking To ' u j„ anticipation.—l am, etc., win c , IL HUTCHINSON. * Eltham, September 2. 1