THE CAMPAIGN IN AUCKLAND

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 57, 1 December 1919, Page 8

THE CAMPAIGN IN AUCKLAND

GREY LYNN MISS MELVILLE MAKES A SPIRITED FIGHT (From Our Special Correspondent). " Auckland, JNoveiuber 'IS. My survey of tho election campaign and tha projects of candidates now bnngff mi to Grey Lynn. There are- live candidates in "the field, namely, Miss Melville (Reform), the Hon. CI. Fowlds (Liberal), Mr. ]•'. N. Uartra.ni (Official Labour), Mr. P. Richardson Moderate Labour), and Mr. L. J. Gnflnson (Independent Labour). Mr. Richardson and Mr. Garnison have no chance, though the former will probably poll a cons\derablo number of votes. The real battle will be fought out between Miss Melville, Mr. I'cwlds, and Mr. Bertram, and 'it is not easy to predict what the order will lie when the numbers go up. Mr. Bartram is not likely to poll anything like as heavily of, Mr. Payne did. His outlook is narrower than that of Mr. Payne. His influence is confined to labour circles, and his chances of success are much Ipssened by the split in the Labour vote; but it 'is probable that whoever beats Mr. Bartram will win. If there had been no Labour candidates in the field, Mr. I'owlds would probably receive most of the votes which will now go to them, Tho liberal >ote is a diminishing quantity, and there is a d'stinct possibility of Mr. Fowlds being squeezed out between Labour and Reform. Though he is widely respected, his candidature has not so far .roused much enthusiasm. He and his friends, however, aro working hard, and he will gain some votes winch might otherwise go to Reform, owing to the prejudice; that still exists against sending women to Parliament. 3Rss Melville is making a really good ii"ht and has the support of a host of energetic friends. Sho is the only one of the candidates who has succeeded in filling the Empress Theatre, her opening meeting being a great success. A certain element of antagonism among a small proportion of tho audience came to light at tho conclusion of the meeting, but the hearing accorded Miss Melville was a courteous and sympathetic one tnroughout A feature, of her address was the wide range of subjects covered each ono receiving a carefully-thought-out awl logical exposition, although in some instances necessarily brief. Miss Melvi In was warmly applauded on entering th& hall end the audience was not slow to register its keen appreciation of the views expressed by the speaker. On the conclusion of lier address, M ss Melville answered a large number ot questions, which covered a remarkably wide- range of subjects. Every question however, was answered with a promptness ami ready wit that brought forth loud applause. A vote of thanks and confidence wtis passed with acclamation, despite (ho clamour of n number of dissentient vo : ces and tho candidate was cheered as she left the platform. People- who are in a good position to iud"<f are of opinion that Miss Melville s chances of winning tho seat aro second 'to none, though it in generally considered that the contest is sure to be a close one.