LIBERAL PROSPECTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8738, 21 May 1914, Page 6

LIBERAL PROSPECTS

BRIGHT IN THE NORTH “REFORM” WEAKNESSES RAPIDLY DEVELOPING. Special to tho “ Times.” CHRISTCHURCH, May ■ 20. Mr G. W. Russell, M.P., who has been visiting the North Island, in the course of a chat with a “Lyttelton Times” representative, had something interesting to say regarding the political position in tho districts ho had visited. Mr Russell said ho had heard everywhere high commendation of the work (Tone by the Liberal speakers who had visited the western districts, including Messrs G. IV. Forbes, L. M. Isitt, T. M. Wilford, and others. The most striking feature of the political position in the North Island was the complete and remarkable revulsion of feeing compared with that trend of sympathy at the last election. He had the pleasure last Monday night of being present at Sir Joseph Ward’s meeting at Napier. At tho time Hawke's Bay was literally under water, and the seas wore running right over tho breakwater at Napier. A more uninviting night could not have been selected; yet there were at least 2500 people present, including a very largo number of ladies. The reception accorded the Liberal leader was enthusiastic to a degree. Sir Joseph was in fin© form, and was appreciated by the audience. Tho following night Sir Joseph spoke at Hastings, where he announced the candidature of Dr R. McNab for tho Hawke’s Bay seat.

Having spent a fair amount of time in that prosperous district, Mr Russell added, he was able to say that the electorate was being organised in the Liberal interests this year as it had never been organised before. From what he could gather in the course of his travelling. Mr Russell was strongly of opinion that the Taumarunui seat would he won by Mr W. T. Jennings, who represented the district in the Liberal interests previous to last election. He had also heard most favourable prospects of Mr Hornblow in tho Rangitikei electorate, and Mr R. W. Smith’s return for Waimarino was said to be practically assured. Mlitters had not advanced very far in tho Waipawa electorate, now represented by Mr G. Hunter, but tho Liberals there were determined to organise to the last man. It looked at present as if the choice of the party would fall on Mr A. E. Jull, chairman of the Napier Harbour Board and president of the Counties Conference of New Zealand, .If Mr Jull were selected there could be no doubt that he would put up a big fight, and would be successful in the contest.

So far as Napier itself was concerned a sad event had occurred in the sudden death of Mr P. Kelly within a week of the announcement of his candidature in the interests of Mr Massey’s party. However, it was extremely unlikely that Mr Kelly, had he lived, would have even approached the figures that would be recorded for Mr J. Vigor Brown, who was not only a most active member of Parliament, but a capable Mayor. Taking the seats in the Taranaki district, it was generally recognised that Mr Pearce was doomed. Mr F. Pirani’s candidature for Wanganui _ was not taken seriously. The position, however, was somewhat complicated by the fact that it was understood that both Mr Veitch, present member, and Mr J. T. Hogan, an ex-member, intended to go to the poll. Great surprise was expressed down the coast at the declared intention of Mr W. H. Field to desert the Liberal party in favour of Mr Massey, who was responsible for Mi- Field’s defeat at the las'! election by asking his supporters to vote at the second ballot for Mr J. Robertson, tho Labour candidate.' Mr Bussell’s opinion was that Mr Field’s change of party would not in the slightest improve his chances of winning the Otalri seat. Of course Mr Field declared his intention of standing as an Independent Liberal, but there were only two lobbies’ in the House of Representatives, and like everyone else Mr Field would have to declare himself for or against Sir Joseph Ward before the polling day.

The Palmerston electorate was in an interesting state at present. Mr J. A. Nash, the Mayor, had announced his .candidature as a supporter of Mr Massey in opposition to Mr David Buick, one of the Massey phalanx in the present Parliament. There were rumours that Mr Buick had been askied to stand down and had been offered a seat in the Legislative Council if he would do so; but Mr Buick was one of (that class of men who enjoy a stiff fight, and be bad declared bis intention Of contesting the seat against all comers. The name of a gentleman who had a seat in Parliament in days past as a Liberal was being suggested as a candidate in the Liberal interest, but matters had not advanced sufficiently to enable Mr Russell to mention his name. The Oroua seat, now held by the senior Government Whip (Mr Guthrie) would certainly fall to the Liberals if the gentleman who was being pressed to stand would consent to nomination.

Taking the North Island as a whole, the revulsion of feeling against the Massey party was' tremendous. It would not surprise him if at the coming election the Liberals secured one of those magnificent victories' which were so prominently associated with the name of the late Mr Seddon. The people had seen the so-called “Reform” Government in office now for two years, and they realised that it was a Government which had practically broken every promise it made before attaining office. The heart of the people was soundly Liberal, and this would be fully proved in the North Island at the nest polls.