THE TARANAKI SEAT.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 December 1922, Page 4

THE TARANAKI SEAT.

The voting in connection with the Taranaki seat was remarkably close in a poll which constitutes a record, only sixty-four votes separating the two candidates, with 368 absentee votes still to be counted. The issue, therefore, is still in doubt, with the advantage in favor of Mr. Smith. It must be conceded that Mr. Bellringer put up a remarkably good fight to have reduced the majority of the sitting member from 1023 to fit. The voting shows that political feeling in the electorate is pretty evenly divided, and that Mr. Smith’s hold is precarious. It is generally acknowledged that he has been an energetic member who has done hie best for the district, but the strength of the Government vote proves either that he is mistrusted or that the Government, which he opposes and assails, holds the confidence of a greater section of the community than was generally supposed. This may arise from a recognition by them of the country’s difficulties and of the need just now for a strong and stable Government which Mr. Massey provides. On the whole, notwithstanding statements which Mr. Smith made just before the poll, due no doubt to overstrain, the election was conducted on clean, if on vigorous lines, with an absence of that bitter personal feeling that characterised some of the other contests. Both candidates may well be congratulated upon the manner in which they conducted their campaigns, and we trust that, whatever the ultimate result may be, the decision will be accepted in the same spirit, and all who have engaged in the fight will let their exuberance subside and work together with their .Member for the advancement of the needs of the district and the welfare of the country generally.