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Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2946, 25 July 1878, Page 2

The complete returns which we publish to-day of the Waipa election give a majority of 41 to Mr McMinn. The result of this contest scarcely surprises us. Mr F. A. Whitaker may attribute his defeat to his qualified avowal of political attachment; while the successful candidate owes his position to the fact that he pronounced most unreservedly for the party led by Sir George Gr y. The contest has been well fought on both aides. In the Waikato District Mr Whitaker has had one advantage, the control of the only local paper, although it cannot be charged against him, so far as we can judge, that he has used that power to the prejudice of his opponent; and the latter has no doubt been well supported by the Auckland Central Committee, which is still a power in the land. Mr McMinn, although but little known to public affairs (except from having contested the seat for Waipa with the late member), is an old Waikato settler, and has interested himself in local politics. He is possessed of some ability, education, and common sense, and with a lengthy experience of colonial life should make a steady going and conscientious representative.