THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1908. THE MASTERTON SEAT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3044, 14 November 1908, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1908. THE MASTERTON SEAT.

The Local Option Poll having become the topic of the hour there is as a result considerably less interest being taken in the contest for the Masterton seat than would otherwise be the case. In various electorates throughout the Dominion, however, keen contests are in progress, and it seems pretty well certain that the Government's majority will be considerably diminished on Tuesday next. A spirit of unrest, of dissatisfaction, with the administration of the powers that be, and that have been for so many years past, is steadily becoming manifest. The extent, however, to which the electors of Masterton desire a change is especially difficult to gauge on the present occasion for the reason already mentioned. Mr J. Hunter, who essays to achieve the honour of representing this constituency in Parliament appears to be creating a widespread impression of a very favourable character. We believe that we are correct in stating that it is the general opinion that the contest be-

tween him and Mr Hogg will be a very close one. Whatever the result may be we trust that it will be arrived at by the electors taking a broad view of the political questions of the day, rather than an expression of personal sympathy. Mr Hunter's advent in the political arena should be welcomed by all who appreciate a healthy interest being taken in politics. Again and again prominent politicians have in the past deplored that the best men in any community would not come forward and offer their services to the electors. Various reasons have been assigned for this unsatisfactory condition of public affairs, but we think the chief cause has really been a period of phenomenal prosperity, and the general apathy in politics which has resulted therefrom. No reasonable elector can argue that Mr Hunter is an unsuitable person to represent this electorate. His record as a private individual has been such as to leave beyond doubt his fitness for public life. It should, also, be remembered that no matter how capable a candidate may be he improves marvellously by experience. Every candidate for political life has to make a start, and it is, of course, tor the electors to say whether he shall be assisted to obtain the object of his desire. Should Mr Hunter be returned we feel sure that he will leave no stona unturned to promote the progress of both town and I country, and it is evident from his addresses that he realises- the great needs of the former.