PARTY PROSPECTS

Evening Star, Issue 22193, 22 November 1935, Page 10

PARTY PROSPECTS

SOUTHLAND SEATS MANY KEEN CONTESTS NATIONALISTS FAVOURED In all four Southland seats there are keen contests among candidates carrying the banners of the National Government, Labour, and the Democrats, with an Independent or 1 two thrown in for further variety. Campaigning has been intensive, but there has been a gratifying absence of personalities and mud-slinging. Picking the winner of a steeplechase is just about as easy as forecasting the result of the Invercargill seat. The mayor of Invercargill (Mr John Miller) is the Government candidate, the deputy-mayor (Mr Gordon Reed) is the Democrat, the chairman of the Works Committee of the City Council (Mr W. M. C. Denham) is tlie Labour candidate, and Mr William M’Chesnoy, a former mayor of South Invercargill, is standing as an Independent Liberal. If four people on the street wore accosted it is probable that each would give a different ; forecast. Judging from last election there should be a solid Labour vote, which means_ that Mr Denham’s chances cannot lightly be disregarded. ’ “ I think M'Chesney would make the best city representative in the House ” is a statement commonly made in answer to queries on. election prospects, arid it is certain that the stalwart Independent will be strongly supported. At municipal elections Mr / Gordon Reed has a knack of topping the poll, and his campaigning has gained him many friends. It is generally conceded that the bachelor deputy-mayor will get the “ flappers’ ” vote, and there are a good many electors who expect him to top the poll. Finally there is Mr John Miller, who, as the National Government candidate, and by reason of his long service as mayor, • must poll heavily. In some quarters his acceptance of the Nationalist nomination was not popular, but he was the unanimous choice of the Reform and United wings of the party, and if he receives the support on election day, which may reasonably be expected from the less vociferous section of electors, he should be Invercargill’s next representative in the House. The Awarua electorate is providing a very keen contest among Mr James Hafgest, M.P., the Government candidate, Mr Louis ‘ Niederer, a Democrat, and Mr T. F. Doyle, Labour. Mr Doyle has had - most encouraging meetings, and his fluency has created a favourable impression. Mr Niederer has an excellent record on _ the Southland County Council, and in some sections of the electorate should poll well. But the odds are- that Mr Hardest will be returned. He has the backing of both Mr Perrelle’s and Mr J. R. Hamilton’s supporters, and- has - his sterling service in the House as Invercargill’s member to assist him. Voting may be close, but he should win. Mr Norman MTntvre, the Independent candidate, has little chance. There was talk some mouths ago about the difficulty the Hon. Adam Hamilton would experience to retain the Wallace seat, but his meetings have .shown hgw popular he still is with his constituents, and it will be surprising if he suffers defeat. It is an advantage to him that votes will be split between the Labour candidate, Mr I j. S. Edmond, and the Democrat candidate. Mr William Hindiey, not to mention Mr J. Rewcastle, an Independent. Both. Mr Edmond- and _Mr Hinchey are creating good impressions at their, meetings, but the general opinion is that Mr .Hamilton is safe. In the Mataura electorate the National candidate, Mr T. Golden, is making a bold bid to i superannuate the sitting member, the irrepressible Mr David M'Dougall, while the mayor of Gore, Mr A. T. Newman, is carrying the Democrat banner. The issue should lie between Mr M'Dougall and Mr Golden, with the odds slightly in favour of Mr M'Dougall. He is _ not an easy man ,to beat, and in addition to his powers of entertainment, he has the reputation- of getting a fair amount done for his electorate. But Mr Golden is a very worthy candidate, and may go close to upsetting the apple cart.