THE RANGITIKEI ELECTION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9596, 16 September 1909, Page 4

THE RANGITIKEI ELECTION.

It was a certain lover of his fellow men, although a very abominable fellow in the eyes of some people, to wit, one Henry George, who wrote: "We cannot safely leave politics to politicians, or political economy to professors. The people themselves must tninlc, because the people alone can act." In New Zealand the people do not appear to do a {jreat deal of political thinking, but, as a whole, they are broad-minded ar.d educated, and they can usually see

through "the little games" of politicians. For the vacant Rangitikei seat there are a number of candidates, and every one of them, we sup« pose, describes himself as a patriot. Let us hope that they are all the very essence of political honour. A deplorable feautre of the contest, however, is the extent to which party cries have been used. As a matter of fact there is not a great deal of differ • ence of opinion, speaking generally, the people as to what the policy is that should be pursued. It is economical and progressive admin ■ istration that is so i?stdlv needed. The population of the Dotniubn comprises just about fine million people, and there »re i?o than eighty legislators in "tiu 1 popular chamber" alone to snupe the destiny of the country. The political problems that present themselves are, comparatively, simple, but the need for energetic, earnest, and efficient administration is both insistent and important. We do not wish to see the interests of the people placed second to that'of party welfare, and such is the danger when party feeling, excited possibly from personal more than public motives, runs high. For the Rangitikei seat there will most probably be two ballots —the first takes place to-dny. The number of candidates that will go to the poll suggests that the electors in the constituency re • ferred to are taking a lively interest in the election, also that opinion is much divided as to the most suitable candidate to select. It is said that tho Opposition party are hopeful of securing the seat, and such a victory would, of course, add to the strength of the party that has promised the people administrative reform.