THE OTHER TARANAKI SEATS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 December 1922, Page 4

THE OTHER TARANAKI SEATS.

It cannot be said that the polling results in the other Taranaki electorates have produced any great surprises, though they have caused some changes. At the time of writing it appears that Mr. Jennings has lost his seat to his younger and more vigorous opponent. Genuine regret will be felt on personal grounds at the passing from political life of this old stalwart, who has never spared himself in the interests of his constituency, one of the most exacting in the Dominion. On political grounds, the feeling perhaps will not be so general, as the district is essentially a producers- one and therefore in favor of a stable and solid Government. Mr. Masters .put up a strong and successful fight for Stratford, doubling his majority over his old adversary. The member for Stratford is one of the livest and most resourceful of the younger type of politician in the House, and his solicitude for the welfare of the baekblockers and his general activities on behalf of his constituency have earned for him increasing support as exemplified at the polls yesterday. We are very pleased at the return of Mr. Hawken for Egmont, a member who, in his unobtrusive way, has “made good,” and is a source of strength not only to his district but to the whole Dominion, for he is endowed with a good deal of native ability, which he places freely at the service of his fellows. The expected happened at Patea, where the splitting of the Reform vote let in Mr. Corrigan by a majority which, in the circumstances, can be described as remarkably small. Mr. Dixon’s handicap was altogether too heavy, and for him to reach within 103 of the Liberal candidate was a meritorious performance. With Mr. Pearce out of the way, he must have secured a substantial majority. Reform supporters in the electorate will not feel particularly happy to-day at losing a certain seat at a time when every vote will be wanted to carry on the sound and efficient government of the country.