OAMARU ELECTION

Evening Star, Issue 18253, 18 April 1923, Page 3

OAMARU ELECTION

SLANDERS AGAINST MR MAOPHERSON.

P.P.A. AVORK FOR MR LEE.

[From Our Ows Report cr.]

OAMARU, April 18,

Tim present indications are that tho content will be the liveliest ever known in the electorate. An important feature of the present coldest is that it will be held under widely different conditions from those which prevailed in December last.

in the first place, Mr Macpherson came out last time very late in the campaign, when most electors had already fully made up their minds. It is thought that cm this occasion many of these will cross over to Mr Macpherson. On the other hand, it is felt certain that a number of farmers who last December voted for Mr Macpherson will change to Air .Lee. Last lime they voted for tho Liberal candidate because they were of opinion that, while they did not altogether disagree with the Reform policy, they thought a stronger Opposition necessary. _ In these respects matters should be fairly equalised.

Another important point is that the supplementary roll for the by-election contains nearly 1,100 now names, the total of the roll now being 10,073. Included iu the new names on the roll are 700 or 800 new voters, while the balance represents electors who had been struck otf the roll and arc now reinstated.

Feeling in some quarters is fairly high, and some absurd canards arc said to have been circulated regarding Air Alacpherson. These have been traced to their sources, and, if such tactics continue, the result will be legal proceedings. The P.P.A. is said to be working fairly solidly in favor of the Reform candidate, but the bulk of the electors, with Tauranga fresh in their minds, hope that such tactics will be eliminated from this contest.

The entry of the Prime Minister lias quickened interest still more in the. contest. His meeting at Palmerston last night was the largest ever held in that town. To-day he spoke at Goodwood and Shag Point, following the lines of his Palmerston address, and to-night he speaks at Oamaru.

At present Mr M.acpherson intends to conduct, the campaign “on his own”; but, should there be a further incursion of Reform, ho wtll_seek outside assistance from ’the Liberal abor Party. Many people are of opinion that Mr Macpherson will gain ground by reason of a sympathetic vote; but, nil things considered, the general feeling seems to be that the contest will again he a close one.