MR. HAWKEN'S DEFEAT

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 112, 16 November 1928, Page 10

MR. HAWKEN'S DEFEAT

SOME REASONS GIVEN. The "Tarnnaki Daily News" refers to the-defeat of the Honi O. Hawken in these words: — "Mr. Hawken was handicapped by his attitude over dairy control, which so many of his constituents bitterly resented, not to speak of the wheat duties and the disclosures made in regard to them. Still, theso apart, Mr. Hawken has proved a most capable Minister and a useful and faithful member, and Tarauaki as a whole will regret his loss. At the same time it will appreciate (he worth-of Mr Wilkinson . and his ability to do. justice to any • position, however high and onerous it may bo, Ids country may ask of him in the period immediately ahead, and which appears to be fairly-difficult. His was a great victory, and ho deserves full credit for it, especially as he ac.hiovcd it practically single-handed and against no small odds. Mr. Poison accounted for the Stratford seat by a comfortable majority, to the surprise of many, who expected very -close voting. As the head of the Farmers' Union he came to Taranaki with considerable i 'mana,' and soon got on intimate and satisfactory terms with the rural olec- ■ tors, and also, as.tho returns show, was able to favourably impress the townspeople with his ability to properly represent them in Parliament." After the declaration of the poll for the Egmont scat, Mr. Wilkinson, who defeated the Hon. 0. Hawken, complimented Mr. Hawken upon the fight ho had put up, saying,he had dono his very best, fought it to a finish, and was beside him with a smile. The. scene below the speaker, ho said, was multiplied all over New Zealand, and showed that the people were waking- up. The Hon. 0. Hawken was greeted with cheers, several hecklers with sarcastic remarks being summarily dealt with by the sporting crowd. "You havo given me a good slathering tip this time," said Mr. Hawken. Ho congratulated Mr.. Wilkinson on the fight he had put up, and mentioned that the returns indicated big' alterations all over New Zealand. Tho people were the judges, however, and politicians merely served the people. . He thanked all those who had voted for him, but asked them not to care, as there would be another time.