THE EGMONT SEAT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 101, 14 September 1912, Page 4

THE EGMONT SEAT.

MR. C. A. WILKINSON'S CAMPAIGN. The Reform candidate addressed meetings at Riverlea and Awatima on Thursday evening. The bad weather militated against big audiences, but the numbers that turned out were a striking i estimonv to the interest being taken in Mr. Wilkinson's meetings and politics. At Riverlea, an attendance of thirty was presided over by Mr. W. A. O'Neill. The candidate gave an address that met with warm appreciation. During his remarks he clearly explained that the socalled Post Office steal was only an electioneering dodge, and that the graduated land tax would have a big effect in encouraging the cutting up of large estates. He also showed the weakness of the Opposition contention for cheaper railwav fares for children in that the party lately in power had made no effort to do this (hem-elves during their long term of office, and that the railway's were not paying anything like the four per cent, claimed for (hem. After questions had been answered a hearty vote of thanks and confidence was accorded Mr. Wilkinson, the mover and seconder resneetively being Messrs A. Vonllaire and H. Johns. Later in the evening at Awatuna near, lv fifty attended. Mr. Wilkinson's address was on lines as already reported, and was followed with keen interest. Mr. S. Farquhar presided. The contention of an Opposition supporter that Mr. Dive was squeezed out of the contest, Mr. Wilkinson flatlv contradicted by producing Mr. Dive's letter of withdrawal. Questions were answered in good style at the close of the address, A vote of thanks for his able and instructive address and of confidence as a suitable representative was accorded Mr. Wilkinson, on the motion of Messrs Vooght and Ritz, and was followed by enthusiastic applause. At each place there is a strong committee active oh Mr. Wilkinson's behalf. (Communicated). Mr. D. L. A. Astburv's committees are disbanded, as from Friday, September 13.