The MANAWATU DAILY Times TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1936. Manukau

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 212, 8 September 1936, Page 6

The MANAWATU DAILY Times TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1936. Manukau

Now that the date of the Manukau by-election has been indicated it may he anticipated that the campaign will be one of the most intensive ever conducted in the Dominion. It is hardly possible that the opponents of the Government can win this, one of the most redoubtable Labour strongholds in the Dominion, but the voting should provide an illuminating commentary on the country’s reactions to Labour’s programme.

The new High Commissioner, Mr. W. J. Jordan, who resigned his seat to go to London, represented Manukau for 13 years, and last November he had the huge absolute majority of 5382 votes over the two other candidates. Although nominations have not closed it appears likely that there will only be two candidates in the from every standpoint it is highly desirable that there should be no more because of the importance of the result as an indication of public opinion concerning Labour’s policy and administration.

The Government nominee for this by-election is an experienced campaigner, Mr. A. G. Osborne. The National Party, recognising that its challenge, to have any chance of success, must be borne by a strong candidate, has undoubtedly found one in Mr. P. W. Doidge, who has had exceptional experience in political campaigning, in fields much wider than Manukau. He may be expected to make a stronger challenge for the seat than any that the Labour Party has had to withstand. The people’s verdict will be eagerly awaited by the whole Dominion.