THE WESTLANP ELECTION.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXII, Issue 5, 6 July 1906, Page 5

THE WESTLANP ELECTION.

NOTES ON THE CAMPAIGN. (BY TEIBaRAPH— -OWJV COJUHSBFOHOENT.] GREYMOUTH, This Day, Reports received from that isolated region known, as South Wcstland indicate that Mr. Saddon is almost sure of a block vote there. It must be remembered, however, that this part of the electorate is pparsely populated. Nevertheless, if the voting in the northern and middle portions is any way close, the South- Westland vote will probably put one or the other candidate in. One authority says :—"I: — "I feel sure young Seddon will obtain every vote, and I can speak with certainty for the people of South Westland. Our motto is 'Seddpn for ever,' and I hope and trust that he will prove that he is indeed a 'chip I of the old block,' and a true son of his revered father." Despite this, I am inclined to think that when the details of tho polling are available it will be found that Mr. Michel had a. number of eupporteis in eyen this Seddon stronghold, Owing to the isolation of this part of the electorate, the absence of telephonic communication, and the objectionable habit the rivers, many of which are unbridgqd, have of geftjng up in high flood, it is probable that the returns of the polling may not be received for several days after the close of the poll. Mr. Michel has been visiting the districts jn the vioinity of Hokitjka- during the past two days, and is reported, tp have met with a hearty reception. MR, SEDDON'S HOKITIKA ADDRESS. JBT TBI.EGBAFa".-~-PnESf3 ASSOCIATION.*) HOKITHCA, sth. July. Mr. Seddon addressed the largest crowd ever assembled <in the theatre this evening, there being over 1000 persona present, The candidate received a great ovation on stepping on to the platform, cheer after cheer being given, and it ■was continued as the address proceeded. The 6peech was mainly on the lines of that delivered at Kumara a few days ago. The statements made by his opponent about the neglect of the Westland Land Board to grant rebates of 10 per cent, to Crown tenants were, the candidate contended, fallacious. With reference to thc'Otira tunnel, he expressed himself strongly in favour of, the work being let by contract as against day labour by the Governmont. Mining matters were largely dwelt upon, the speaker expressing his beliefs that ere long the most important developments would take place as foreshadowed by Dr. Bell, the Government Geologist. Education, locfil governmont reform, and railway construction works were dealt with, and a large number of purely local matters were strongly emphasised, the statements being received most favourably. He alluded to an article In the Evening Post, which, it waa eaid, praised' his opponent, as coming from a paper that had always opposed the Seddon Government and everything connected with the name of Seddon, and wound up his speech, which lasted an hour and a half, with a- strong appeal for their support is the accepted Liberal candidate. In answer to questions, Mr. Seddon said ho was in favour of a sinking fund being established for all loans; the survey of Point Elizabeth might be undertaken without delay, and if favourable harbour Works should be constructed. Ho was in favour of the State Coal Mines paying royalties the samo as a private company, and also a reduction of the age limit for ojd-ago pension purposes for women from 65 to 60, He expressed himself opposed to an Absolute Majority Bill, and also against a totally Elective Legislative Council. At the conclusion a slight disturbance took place, owing to a prominent citizen attempting to speak, but tho county chairman, who presided, and the candidate would not allow it, A vote of thanks and confidence was carried unanimously amid applause, the audience singing "For he's a Jolly Good Fellow" and "Auld Lang Syne."THE NOMINATIONS. HOKITIKA, sth July. Messrs. T. E. Y. Seddon and H. L. Michel are tho only candidates nominated for Westland. Another nomination was handed in to the returning officer, but without the necessgry deposit, and therefore refused. The polling places for the district were gazetted last night. They number fortynine, the principal ono being at the courthouse, Hokjrtjka. TO THB EDITOR. Sir, — About four years ago Mr. H. D. Bedford, as you arc aware, was seeking Parliamentary honours, and during the campaign his opponents were ever reminding the electors of Dunedin of Mr. Bedford's youth. Well, if my memory serves me right, Mr. Bedford was as old then as Mr. T. Y. Seddon is now. Have you anything to say anent this? If sentiment is to prevail, God help the country. — I am etc., WHAT IS SAUCE FOR THE , GOOSE, ETC. Napier, 3rd July.