THE. BATTLE EVE.

PROSPECTS OF PARTIES.

CANTERBURY 'WARMING UP.

CLOSE CONTESTS EXPECTED

(By Telegraph—Special to "Star.")

CIIHLSTCHUBCH, this day,

After celebrating Carnival Week, and P»\ng through the strenuous process of living to select winners on the racecourse, the community yesterday again turned its attention to politics.

Tn the Hiirunui electorate, Mr. George Forbes (United) is picked to hold his 6c:<t.

Mr. J. A. Flesher may whi Kaiapoi for Reform. Mrs. McCombs (Labour) }i;i3 carried on her campaign very ably, and her chances are also good. In Christchuicn North Mr. H. Holland (the sitting Reformer) has two opponents, Mr. Andrews (United), and the Mayor, (the Rev. J. K. Archer). It is difficult to predict, but Mr. Archer's fi iond3 are very confident.

Mr. Dan Sullivan, the Labour representative in Avon, has one of the safest seats in New Zealand, and the same applies to his colleague, Mr. Armstrong, in East Christchurch.

The United candidate in Christchureh South (Mr. McCully) has put a tremendous amount of vigour into his campaign, and has a strong personal following. It would not, be surprising if he ran Mr. Howard (Labour) very close, although the presence/ of a Reform candidate prejudices his chances.

Mr. McCombs, who won Lyttelton by eleven votes last election, is regarded as safe.

Mr. McLaclilan, the young United candidate, is tipped as a winner for Riccarton, now held by Mr. Kyle (Reform). He has gained strong support in all parts of the electorate.

Mr. David Jones (Reform) should win Mid-Canterbury, but if there were a straight-out contest Mr. Connolly, (United) would be favoured.

Temuka will be a close contest between Mr. Burnett (Reform) and Mr. Langford (United).

The Attorney-General, the Hon. F. J. Rolleston, should hold Timaru against tho Rev. Clyde Carr (Labour) with a reduced majority.