THE WESTLAND ELECTION.

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 December 1911, Page 3

THE WESTLAND ELECTION.

TC -MORROW’S PROSPECTS.

A GREAT WAVE OF MICHELISM

(By Arrangement.)

When a certain partisan waiter gave it as his opinion that Mr. Michel had to “pluck up courage” to meet tinelectors in Hokitika whore lie w.u most widely-known, the inference intended to be conveyed was that Mr. Michel had lest favour. With the usounding cheers which rent the air when Mr. Michel faced the tremendous audience, still ringing iu his ears, the -same writer has had little to say on that subject since. The enthusiasm displayed at that meeting indicated pretty clearly that the supporters of Mr. Michel ‘had grown in numbers, and have continued to gain in strength ever since. Right through the whole electorate there is surging a strong wave ‘of “Michelism,” and the power and influence of the Scddon cause which began its decline in 1900, had become fainter and fainter until it almost waned right out cf existence in 1908, and its supporters had the chagrin of seeing its influence smashed for ever in the old Westland electorate. This ycai, the new additions to the electorate will rise in strength and give it its death-blow. IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT. Hokitika, stands firmer than < ver for Mr. Michel. It has always given him great -support. He has ived among the people for tens of yoais and has gained the respect and support of the townspeople. The “first-time” vc.ters and those who have come from other parts, in addition to a large majority of the older residents and the voting people declare strongly for Michel. There is every prospect of on inci eased majority'in the chief town, of the electorate. The immediate neighbourhood Stands firmly. Indeed, it is a characteristic of the Michelites that they stand firm all the time, each doing their very utmost to bring new supporters. Ruatapu is going to give a big majority for Michel. In fact, this place is one of his strongholds. Kaiieri shows improvement, and Rimu wi.l gird itself in red and white. The Kmterangi majority shows an increase, while the Kckatahi district will gne good support to the Michel cause. Round the Central District Mr. Michel will score a big majority. In fhe district where he is best known the people give him such strong support that his majorities will hold him m good stead. THE ARAHURA VALLEY. In this fertile district Mr. Michel has a great number of very staunch friends. At both the previous elections the settlors gave Mr. Michel practically a block vote. They stood to the iron who stood ,by them, and they have o-iven manv indications that very solid support will ho still forthcoming and tho district stands with increasing firmness for Mr. Michel. TOWARDS KUMAR A. In Stafford and Goldshorough Mr Michel has received additional support, whilst at Kurnara. after tho magnificent meeting held there so "iecently, Mr Michel has been able to add many supporters to his side. At -he Junction the sides are about even going, quite a few votes having ti rued over - to Mr Michel. THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT. Down round Okarito the settlers consider they have a strong grievance against the retiring member, and they aro determined to give Mr Michel an opportunity of looking after their district, and will vote accordingly, whilst many votes in the far smith will he east for Mr Michel. The Hari Han district is still firm for Mr Michel, and there is good reason to believe that the southern district up to Ross will give Mr. Michel a majority. Tne position at Ross has improved, notwithstanding the fact that a lot of the young men have removed to Ruatapu, where Mr Michel is sure of a strong backing. TO THE TEREMAKAU. The position up to the Teramakau river has always been strongly favourable to Mr Michel, and he is assured of a most gratifying majority up to that section of the district. THE GREY VALLEY. Every visit to the Grey Valley made by Mr Michel enabled him to come intci closer contact with the people, and Ins cause is gaining in favour everyday. Tliis new part of the electorate is certain to give the Michel cause | very strong support. THE NORTH.

Up the Otira line Mr Michel has made himself better known than wa; the case last year, and where Mr Michel becomes- thoroughly acquainted with the people, they follow the example of the big majority he gets at Hokitika and surrounding districts. Otira is promising increased support, and is sure to give a good account of itself. At Waiuta Mr Michel lias held large support from the jump, and his supporters there are confident of showing a good majority on the side oi independence and progress. THE RESULT.

There is only one result feasible. When it is remembered that Mr. Michel last election very convincingly turned the tables upon Mr Seddon in the Old Westland Electorate, heating him by 142 votes, and despite the fact that ho was unknown in the new part, and Mr. Michel was able to smash the 1905 majority of 726 into within 110 votes of victory, it is easy to see that, having regard for the fact that the wave of support for the Michel cause which has been gaining in strength all the time, must rise into sufficient strength to sweep all before it, and land Mr Michel to victory by a very satisfying majority,

MR. SEDDON IN THE VALLEY,

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTIONS

(Published by arrangement)

On Monday night Mr. T. E. Y. Seddon addressed the electors of Onuno and Kaiata and received h very battering reception. Oil Mr. bed don’s arrival lie was greeted with ringing cheers. Mr. 0.-car Egdeu was chairman. Mr. Seddon on rising was greeted with an ovation. His address, which lasted an hour and a half, was given in a very clear and lucid manner and was listened to with wrapt attention. It was punctuated with much plause. During his remarks Mr. Seddon mentioned that a rumour had been circulated in the district that he was against Australians, To this he gave a most emphatic denial. The rumour had only been icrculated by his opponents to do him harm and he took this firs! opportunity of denying it. (Loud and prolonged cheering). The Chairman then asked for questions, but none were forthcoming, only cries of “You’ll do us Tommy,” “Tommy’s on top,” etc. Mr. Blewman moved a hearty vote of thanks and continued confidence in Mr. Seddon and predicted great things in the political world for him.

Mr. Samuel Hill seconded the motion, which was carried amidst cheers and the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” A vote of thanks to the chair terminated a very successful and enthutsiastic meeting. AT MAORI CREEK.

Mr. Seddon had a busy day in tie north on Monday. He went straight through irom Ross by the early train to Parca, There he de-trained and took a motor car to the Marsden district. He then went on to Maori Creek and had a splendid meeting there at three o’clock. Everyone from the surrounding districts was present and the proceedings were hearty in the extreme. Mr. Tindale, M.C.C., was in the chair. Mr Seddon.’s address was excellently received. At the conclusion Mr. Garland moved a vote of thanks and confidence, which was seconded by Mr. W. Irving and carried with cheers. Further cheering followed as Mr. Seddon left to fulfil other engagements. AT MARSDEN. At 6.30 o’clock the same evening Mr Seddon spoke at Marsden, Mr. Finn, M.C.C., being in the chair. The schoolroom was packed and Mr. Seddon had a very flattering reception. After a well received address Mr. Seddon answered a couple of questions. Mr. Giffney proposed and Mr. R. Howe seconded a vote of thanks and confidence, which was carried unanimously amid great cheering. PRO-SEDDON MEETINGS. Both meetings in the Marsden district were strongly pro-S©ddon, the proceedings being very enthusiastic, and quite one-sided indicating a large volume of support in that district for Mr. Seddon. After the Marsden meeting Mr. Seddon had to make a hurried flight to Omoto. which he reached in time for his meeting. AT OTIRA TO-NIGHT. Mr. Seddon speaks at Otira this evening and will, at the conclusion of his meeting, motor through to Waiuta and Grey Valley, the Railway Regulations not permitting his coming through by the Otira line on election day by trolley. FLYING TOUR. Mr. Sfddon will make a flying tour through the electorate to-morrow. He will leave Otira in the grey dawn and breakfast at Waiuta. After a short circuit in that district he will leave for Hokitika, travelling by the Grey Valley to Greymouth, and thence via Kumar a by road to Hokitika. A speedy motor car will render this trip possible, and to provide against unexpected delays, a second-car will be held in reserve to take up the running :f necessary.

AT STILLWATER AND DOBSON. (By Arrangement.) Mi’. T. E. Y. Seddon addressed a meeting at Stillwater last evening, the schoolroom being crowded. The chair was taken by Mr, F. Nancarrow. Mr. Seddon delivered a spirited address, which was listened to with rapt attention. Alter numerous questions had been asked, Mr. W. Shannon moved, and Mr. M. J. Moriarty seconded a hearty vote of thanks and confidence, which was carried unanimously, A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the proceedings. The candidate then proceeded to Dobson, being cheered as he passed through Brunnerfcon. The Dobson schoolroom was crowded, the chair being taken by Mr. F. Heslin. Mr. Seddon delivered a spirited address, defending the Government policy over the Mokau transaction, He also referred to several other matters in connection with the district. Among those present was Mr. T. Robinson, of Hokitika, who started to ask Mr. Seddon questions, which he had replied to before. The Chairman stated that he was pleased to see Mr. Robinson there ,as he had been an old resident of ErunueTton, and they all remembered his action in connection with the WaUsend mine. Several questions were asked by Mr. Armstrong, Manager of the Tyneside Mine, and also Mr. Smeaton, and the candidate answered them all satisfactory, his replies being applauded by the audience. Mr. J. Ruaue thqu moved and Mr. J, Jryine seconded a hearty vote of thanks and confidence, which was carried unanimously, and what looked ftt first like a hostile meeting, qn account qi the presence of a few Michelites, terminate in an enthusiastic one for Mr. Seddon. Three hearty cheers and the singing of “For he’s a jolly good fellow” terminated one of the liveliest; political meetings ever held at Dobson. ‘ Mr, Hqslin had a vei T difficult position as Chairman, but he conducted the meeting admirably. Mr. Smeaton asked Mr. Seddon why he voted against the Hon A, R, Gnin-. ness's proposals regarding the sanitation and ventilation of mines,

Mr. Sedclon, in reply, referred to the innocent way in which these questions were put. All knowledge of his line of defence was kep t in the background, as though the questioners knew naught about it. The real object of such questions was to try and take away the credit that was due to him for the support that he had given { the miners. He appealed to the audience to give him credit for what he had done, and they would then find that if there was anything in Mr. Smeaton’s contention, it was largely outweighed by the general support he had given to all measures that tended to ameliorate the conditions under which miners work. Mr. Smeaton began to realise that the points he was trying to make against Mr. Seddon were really telling in his (Mr. Seddon’s) favour. So much was this recognised that at the conclusion of the meeting the audience rose en masse and. gave three hearty cheers for Mr. Seddon, and the singing of “For he’s a jolly good fellow” signified the turning of the tables and brought the meeting to a close, i RECORD MEETING. . / 's' AT AHAURA. At Mr. Michel’s Ahaura meeting, the gathering was the largest that had ever assembled there since the opening of the Midland Railway line 22 years ago. There were many electors present from Totara Flat, Orwell Creek, Ngahere and other parts. The Blackball band with a large crowd escorted the candidate from his hotel to James’s Hall. The building was most beautifully decorated by Mr. Michel’s ladies committee, the whole of the walls of the hall being covered with v red and -white drapings, and flowers. Mr. James Hargreaves, M. C.C .was in the chair. The candidate was in splendid form, and was frequently applauded and cheered during his address. At the conclusion of his address a Mr. OTlaherty of Dillmans, and several others put a number of questions to the candidate, whose sharp and belling replies caused the big meeting to become most enthusiastic and he was loudly applauded.

Mr. Patrick McKenna moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Michel. This was seconded by Mr P. Currie and carried with lusty cheering and the singing of “ For He’s a jolly Good Fellow.” Subsequently a social and dance were held in honour of Mr. and Mrs. Michel, fully 300 being present. The music was supplied by Miss Watson of Brunnerton, and several members of the Blackball band. After the supper adjournment Mr. Michel thanked the people for the magnificent reception. Last election Mr. Michel had 75 and Mr. Seddon 74 in the polling booths of Orwell Creek and Ahaura. The forecast for to-morrow is Michel 75, Seddon 53. The Greatest enthusiasm in Mr. Michel’s candidature is shown in many of the northern parts. He is cheered at the railway stations and other centres. He speaks at Kokiri to-night, and makes his final appeal to the ©lectors of Waiuta to-morrow night after delivering 89 speeches during the past 76 nights, which probably constitutes a record in election campaigns.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. ({West Coast Times—By Arrangement.) It has been persistently claimed fcr Mr. Seddon that he is a straight-out Liberal. Here are some of his performances. Whether or not they are liberal we leave the public to judje; - MR SEDDON VOTED AGAINST The people’s representatives being given an account as to how the people's money was being spent. Against the installation of the vet} necessary bath-houses and cha:ig« accommodation in mines. Against the, Government on .two occasions. (According to his own statement) ! 1 MR SEDDON SUPPORTS The present constitution of the legislative Council. ■ The appointment of the Members of the Cabinet and the Legislative Councillors by one man. The Mokau land sale, whereby about £60,000 was made by land speculators. Legislation by exhaustion. Passing of huge sums of public money by exhaustion. The absolute power of veto l.eiug granted to Ministerial heads of departments. The maintenance of the present system of secrecy in connection with the cost of the flotation of the country’s numerous loans; jMR SEDDON VOTED FOR Tho .institution of compulsory military training without consulting the people. The giving of a £2,000,000 Dreadnought without asking Parliament or the people. The giving to the Govcrnor-in-Couli-cit power over any town planning pi exposed by Borough and City Councils. The killing of Mr. Hobb’s Abolition of Duties on Foods Bill. Such a “glorioud” record of Liberal actions should thrill the hearts of all democrats ! !