THE HAWKE'S BAY SEAT.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1296, 27 November 1911, Page 6

THE HAWKE'S BAY SEAT.

CHANCES OF CANDIDATES. (By Telegraph—Special CorresDondont.) Hastings, November 25.. Political, matters are assuming a busy and interesting asoect in the Hawke's Bay electorate. The one thing that is generally taken for granted is that the Reform candidate, Mr. If. M. Campbell, will head the poll on the first ballot, for o time it seemed that Mr. H. Lan Simeon would also bo in the final round. Since then Mr. Sinison has received the Government brand, but, whether in consequence or otherwise, his chances have fallen decidedly. A factor in tho situation was tho decisive defeat of Mr. Simson in a County Council election. The acceptance of Mr. Simson a.s the Government candidate is strongly resented Ivy Mr. A. L. D. Eraser's party. Immediately following the announcement, there was' talk of his retiring from the contest, but this courso was not pursued. Mr. Eraser is conducting his campaign with extra vigour, and he has been making such progress since that his chances of getting' into l.hc second ballot are equal, if not .superior, to those of any other, candidate, excepting Mr, Campbell. Mr. Clapham has been doing tho circuit, and has been holding good meetings. He will secure a heavy-Labour vote. Mr. Eustace Lane claims support chiefly for his work on behalf of Crown tenants while a member of the Hawke's . Bay Land Board. He mainly specialises on tho land question, and his ability is generally recognised, but it is not expected that ho will reach the second test. - On Friday night Mr. A. L. D. Eraser addressed a large audience in the .Princess Theatre. Ho was in canilal form. He vigorously attacked the Eefoim party, and trod lightly over tho sins of the Government. His speech coii'litutod a determined bid for the support of Government adherents. A crowded homo gave the candidate, a good hearing, and he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.