MR WHITAKER'S REJECTION FOR EDEN.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1128, 16 September 1879, Page 2

MR WHITAKER'S REJECTION FOR EDEN.

["TIMABU HeIULD."] The present general election will have a marked effect on the H«uso in removing most of what may be called without disrespect, the superannuated element, and intrqdncing in its place a considerable element of youth and vigour. Mr Whitaker, however, though the father of the House, and one of the oldest men in it, could not properly be included among those who were past work. He was .undisputably one of the most valuable public men in the colony, and his wise counsel, vast experience, and indefatigable attention to business, are not likely to be replaced by any member of the newParliament. Yet, in spite of all this, the Eden electors, under the direct influence of the Premier, have rejected him in favor of Mr Tole, a young man, who has literally no recommendation as a politician, except tht he is an unswerving follower of his chief. ["■Wellington Post."] The result of the Eden election is one greatly to be deplored in the public interest. The successful candidate, Mr Tole, is in private life an amiable young gentleman, but, politically, he is a nonentity. He is simply a blind worshipper of Sir George Grey. The choice was indeed "Hyperion to a Satyr." Mr Whitaker has held a high and honorable position in the front ranks of New Zealand politicians since representative institutions were granted to the colony. He is one of the oldest members of the Legislature, has held office as Premier and in more than one Ministry. He is an able debater, and a man whose political experience, great ability, high character, and moderation in his views made him perhaps the most useful member of the House. He was trusted and respected by all parties, and during last session was the mediator between parties, when, without his intervention, serious difficulties would certainly have arisen. This is the man who has been rejected to allow of the presence in Parliament 'of a.

.mechanical recorder of Sir George Grey's will. We regret that any constituency should have caused so serious a loss to the colony at large as Eden has done. ["New Zealandee."] Mr Whitaker, who was one of the ablest as -veil as most experienced statesmen in the late majority, is relegated to private life, and has suffered a defeat of a crushing kind at the hands of a very young man.