A BY-ELECTION CONTEST.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9088, 13 May 1908, Page 4

A BY-ELECTION CONTEST.

Dr. W. A. Chappie, of Wellington, has gone down to Tuapeka to contest that seat in the Parliamentary byelection occasioned by the recent death of Mr J. Bennett. The doctor has for a long time past been anxious to assist the Liberal Party from the floor of the House of RepresentaHves, and with that object in view has wooed the electors of Wellington persuasively but futilely. He has therefore gone to the far south to try his luck with the electors there. He was formerly a resident of that part of the country, and this may materially aid him in his campaign. Dr. Chappie is a very able man, and has taken great interest in social matters in Wellington. He is also a very ardent advocate of prohibition. The other candidate, Mr James Horn, is a resident of the district, and it is alleged that he will not only support the Government, but will receive its support in the coming contest. We should imagine, however, that the Ministry will care little which of the two men tops the poll, as it will be sure of solid support from whoever is victorious. If the Press Association is to be taken as a guide to the character of Dr. Chappel's initial speech there was not much in it to attract a vast amount of attention, as apparently the only point he "made was that "he rejoiced to find in the Ward Administration an honest endeavour to promote the interests of the people." If Mr Horn finds similar cause for rejoicing the electors may as well vote blindfolded and leave the result to chance. What can it matter?