REFORM LOSING GROUND.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 71, 23 March 1923, Page 6

REFORM LOSING GROUND.

A CONTRAST. (By Telegraph.—Owu forrespoiwlent.) KATIKLVrr, tins day. During the present campaign Katikati has usually been regarded as a stronghold of tlie Reform candidate, but indications point to the fact that Sir Joseph Ward will poll well, and will Sain a great proportion of the votes. His meeting on Saturday "'as a triumph. A great many eiectors have expressed the opinion that his services are needed in Parliament now a* never before, and realise, that the present byelection is a national and not a local or even party matter. Although great enthusiasm was displayed at the Prime Minister's meeting on Monday, it is noteworthy that a large number °f those present were resident in the Ohinemuri and not the Tauranga electorate, which only takes in half of the place, and a number of school children present ''helped the enthusiasm along. In fact, the proposer of the vote of confidence was a resident outside the Tauranza electorate. Mr. Massey used the dissolution "bogy" well, bait that caused more amusement than food For serious thouaht amongst those who have heard both sides of the question. While the supporters of Sir Joseph Ward at Katikati are not making a great deal of noise, it is a foregone conclusion that the support accorded him will be surprisingly large in the village and surroundings.