A STERN CONFLICT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18348, 14 March 1923, Page 10

A STERN CONFLICT.

TAURANGA BY-ELECTION.

TEST OF ENDURANCE.

REFORMS GOOD START.

CAUSE OF SIR JOSEPH WARD.

[BY TBLEaBATO.--SPECIAL REPORTER.] TAURANGA, Tuesday. The Tauranga by-election campaign promises to bo a test of endurance, as well ns a stem conflict of political opinion. There are exactly 50 polling places in tho electorate, these representing 43 different, localities. It in tho intention of the rival party organisations, which are already working with uncommon zeal, to havo their respective candidates and supporting orators speak in many places. The campaign, of course, will bo most intense in the main strongholds of political partisanship in tho electorate and ruthlessly so in those centres where Liberalism pertousJy challenged Reform at the general election last December. It may bo noted that, on that occasion Reform secured a majority in no fewer than 43 of tho 50 polling places, tho Liberal gains being confined to seven localities. It, was in the industrial areas of the electorate that the Government's representative then was most, keenly assailed, and it is in tho same centres of population that, reinforced Liberalism now so confidently looks for a decisive majority in the aggregate, of votes. It is however, sometimes easier to look than to find, and the Liberal search for a. majority in the Tauranga electorate will be rather strenuous exploration. Local Liberals contend that the Reform margins in December justify optimistic anticipation of a Liberal victory this month. It is pointed out that in the western portion of the wide electorate the Reform majority at Matamata, for example was onlv 92 in a poll of 621 votes, while the balance in favour of the Government was merely 13 at Morrinsville, where 679 votes ■were cast; also that the Reform majorities at Tauranga, To Aroha, and le Puke were respectively 193 with .poll of 1315 at the Tauranga booths, 112 at To Aroha where 1052 votes were registered, and 192 at To Puke in a poll of 708 votes. Therefore it is argued that with the advent of Sir Joseph Ward the main political camps in the electorate will be captured for Liberalism. An Excellent Start. One noteworthy feature of the initial •tages of the campaign is the tact tnat the Reform candidate has not been daunted by the return of the former Liberal leader to the political arena. Nobody prostrates nowadays even be.oie the thrilling wonder of a comet—it passes with the light of day. Mr C E Maomillan has made an excellent start, end has traversed much ground. First impressions of his candidature have been fairly good, though his numerous supporters would be better pleased if he could put more fire into his speeches. He has much of the stolidity of the too solid man. It may ba said without impertinence that Mr. Macnnllan easily turns the scales at 20st. and would make short, work of a contestant under CumDerland or Border testa of strength. Ho la an active giant and enjoys his material advantages. He shook with merriment at his tauranga meeting when the Hon. J G. Coates rather inadvertently repudiated the indictment that the Ma-soy Government was the friend only of the "big, fat man." The Minister alone was discomfited. A record audience for Tauranga and a Falstaffian candidate enjoyed lb* joke. . ... Reform supporters increasingly bnllrt their confidence upon the integrity and common ••ense of their candidate, whose local service and ability to increase it in a more serviceable sphere will prove a stiff hurdle to a comparative stranger to the district. Mr. Macmiilan will address seven political meetings this week throughout the western half of the electorate! His keen activities already have won many friends, and there ia no pessimism in the local Reform camp. fietunt of a Veteran. Sir Joseph Ward is unquestionably as surod of a flattering welcome at Tauranga on Thursday night. The return of a veteran to any arena of conflict always appeals to a sporting race, and on that score alone the former Liberal Prime Minister will be very cordially received. Yet hundreds who wdl cheer his first appearance as a Parliamentary (Candidate far a district that is as foreign ground to him will in doe time vote against him with pleasure and goodwill. As a matter of fact the announcement that Sir Joseph Ward will contest the Tauranga seat as a Liberal ranker and not as the leader of Liberalism, has dissipated some. of the initial satisfaction over his candidature. There is a feeling in the electorate that a comparative stranger to it as its Parliamentary representative in a divided Opposition might not, after all, be a great triumph for ai district that needs much development under stable Government. Such at least is the trend of local political talk, and it is causing many electors to think Beriously about the service involved in their Parliamentary representation. Meanwhile Sir Joseph has a heavy task in political campaigning in front of him. It is expected" that the Prime Minister will deliver a policy speech in the electorate, probably at Tauranga.