ELECTION PROSPECTS

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 134, 4 December 1922, Page 7

ELECTION PROSPECTS

AND THE LIQUjOR QUESTION.

The General Secretary of the New Zealand Sports Protection League (Mr. E. W. Shallcrass) has returned to Wellington after visiting a number of electorates in both islands. He states that in most places a very keen interest is being taken, and there appears to be possi' bilities of even greater changes than took place three years ago. It does not appear probable, however, that any one of the parties will make a sweep of the polls. The multiplicity of candidates seems to make almost a gift of Waimarino, Napier, and Westland to Labour, with also the possibility of winning Eiccarton, and perhaps Invereargill as well. On the other hand the Labour Party stands a considerable risk of losing at least one of its Auckland seats as well as Ehmedin North, and perhaps Avon and Lyttelton. The splitting of votes at Roskill, Parnell, Patea,' and Otaki must occasion the Reform Party some anxiety. There is, however, every chance of this party picking up a seat "at WaiKiito and Mother a t Timjmi, and perhaps Mttdtoa also, but further South the

two Hamiltons are having a hard fight, and the sitting Reform members for Oamaru, Waitaki, and Temuka have strong opposition, but will probably hold their seats. In the North the Government members for Bay of Islands" and Pahiatua have strong candidates opposing them. Rotorua has ayways been considered safe, and it may be difficult to believe that there should be any anxiety about such a popular' member as Mr. F. F.~ Hockly, He lias, however, suffered from the indiscretions of his friends, and the unpopularity of the Government in sawmilling areas, and it will require all his personal influence to carry him through. The splitting of votes in electorates at present held by Reform, indicates in at least two areas a slight advantage for the Liberals, but with Waimarino, Westland, and Riccarton threatened, this advantage is somewhat discounted. Altogether there are a sufficient number of doubtful seats to provide for the possibility of a considerable change in members, and even in parties. With regard to the liquor poll, there are evidences that a slightly bettei Continuance vote will be recorded throughout all the various provincial districts with the exception of Auckland. Mr. Shallcrass further states that there aTe only four candidates standing who do not support the privileges at present enjoyed by sports organisations, and the majority favour a reasonable extension thereof.