RANGIOTU

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 6, 7 December 1931, Page 12

RANGIOTU

EUROPEAN AND MAORI ELECTIONS.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) RANGIOTU, Dec. 5. Two elections were held in the local schoolroom during tho week. The Maori election which took place the day previous to the European election did not excite the same interest locally as on the occasion of the by-election caused by the death of Sir Maui Pomare. Quite a large number of natives did not record their votes. Though the sitting member, Mr Te Tomo, got in by a substantial majority, a feeling of general dissatisfaction was expressed over the choice of the official Coalition Reform candidate amongst the supporters of the party, and at the recent Maori gathering held at Huntly strong representations were brought forward to support the candidature of Mr R. Pomare, younger eon of the late Sir Maui, at the next general elections in the interest of Reform. For the present election, however, it was stated that combined efforts and support would have to be extended to the present sitting member in order to ensure his return as Coalition member for the electorate. Locally the district, until the recent Maori by-election, had been a strong Ratana community or supporters of tho Ratana political party, and the election this week again demonstrated the gradual fall and decline of that party’s ‘‘mana,” not only here, but in many other communities and native settlements as well throughout the Western Maori electorate. Mr R. Pomare intimated during his visit to the district last week that the present sitting member had expressed a wish to stand down in his favour, but this was viewed by him with apprehension owing to tho briefness of the present campaign and of the unique political situation that had arisen in connection with the parties concerned. The following are the details of the voting recorded hero for the Western seat: T. Te Tomo (C.R.) 20, H. T. Ratana (Ratana Party) 6. As anticipated, Mr J. Linklater (Coalition Reform) was returned for Manawatu, and he also topped tho poll locally by a substantial margin. The polling, however, showed a marked drop from the 1923 record figures of 220, tho total for this being 154, and tho following aro the details: Linklater 129, Hunter, Labour candidate 25. OBITUARY. The death of Mre T.’ E. Johnson at the age of 67 occurred early last Wednesday evening at the residence of her eldest daughter, iurs F. Searaneke, Rangiotu. Deep regret will be felt by Mr and Mrs Searancke’s wide circle of friends ill the district in their sad bereavement. Her death has removed one who was of a generous, kind and lovable disposition, ever ready to help in times of sickness, and in her earlier life had devoted much of her time to alleviating and succouring the affilicted and those in need of care and attention. Deceased was born in Caxton, England, and came out to New Zealand on the British King, being one of the first vesels to come out to the colonies under steam, arriving at Auckland in the year 1880. She camo out unaccompanied by either parents or relatives, proving that she possessed that indomitable courage of the early pioneers who came before her to a strange and inhospitable land. An interesting episode orcurred which marked the voyage out as being an eventful one for her, when a fire broke out on board just before arriving to port. Tho vessel, however, arrived safely under steam somewhat charred and damaged. Mrs Johnsen (nee Miss Alice Stepping) eventually came to Wellington where she married Mr Thomas Edward Johnsen and then for some time resided at Christchurch. When the old Manawatu lino was being constructed they came north to Pukerua and finally to Otaki where she resided for *0 years with the exception of two years at >v oodville. She made hosts of friends in the district and was held in high esteem by both Pakeha and Maori for her sterling qualities. Her husband predeceased her 24 years ago. Sho possessed early and pleasant recollections of going through the district on many occasions to Rongotea when the country was more or less under heavy bush, and her services wherever she went and whenever required, particularly in the Otaki and surrounding settlements, were always cheerfully and freely given. Nine montjis ago Mrs Johnsen came to Rangiotu to reside with her daughter, and during that time had been in most indifferent health and her demise did not come unexpectedly. Mi's Johnsen is survived by a family of two daughters, Mrs F. Searaneke (Rangiotu), Mrs H. Tews (Otaki) and one son, Mr Clement Johnsen (Matamata). There ire three grandchildren. Several sisters and one brother are still living m England.