The Daily News. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1919. THE TARANAKI SEAT.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 December 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1919. THE TARANAKI SEAT.

The results of the elections so far as Taranaki is concerned cannot be said to have caused any great surprise. The re-election of Mr. Jennings for Waitomo and Mr. Smith for Taranaki was regarded as a foregone conclusion, though few thought that the latter would be given such a substantial majority. It was generally recognised that Mr. Smith had "made good" during the short time he had been member and that he merited a continuance of their support. His uniform tact and good platform work were also important factors in his success. iMr. Buckeridge, his opponent, put up a good and clean fight, and he has no reason to feel disappointed considering the severe handicap under which he entered the contest. Mr. Jennings owes his return to a general feeling of appreciation of his work on behalf of the country settlers, and of the way in which he "played the game" during the war. Most people conversant with the conditions in the Stratford electorate anticipated a very close contest, and so it proved. This was probably the hardest fight in the province, and it is no mean tribute to Mr. Masters' work and ability that at the first time of asking he could defeat a 3trong member like Major Hine, who, besides having a very creditable war service, was also a Cabinet Minister. Mr. Masters is but a young man, but has shown that he possesses ability much above the average, and will, it is certain, go far in public life. Nothing could have been mare admirable than the way in which these doughty opponents acted after the result was known. Major Hine took his boating like a man, and his successful opponent paid him a tribute that was as fitting as it was generous. Mr. Hawken is the new member for Egmont. He succeeds one of the ablest men that has ever represented a Taranaki constituency and assisted with the government of the country. Mr. Hawken has shown that he possesses the necessary qualifications for the position, and we look to him to make a useful member and one who will be able to render the country valuable help in the stressful times immediately ahead. The same remark applies to Mr. W. D. Powdrell, the new member for Patea, than whom the province has no more progressive or patriotic man. He believes in Taranaki and in New Zealand, and he can be depended upon to work energetically and faithfully in their interests. The electorate, as well as the Dominion generally, is fortunate in securing the services of one who has displayed such business acumen, administrative ability and initiative, and we feel sure he will make his mark in politics as he has done in coMertion With the multtfftrioua pf-

fairs to which lie has been attached. Generally speaking, Taranaki has 110 reason to feel any regrets at its choice of Members, and it remains for the people, who have been divided politically during the campaign, to now close up their ranks, and accord their new representatives all the help they can in dischargingl their responsible duties and carrying through the difficult work that lies ahead.