The Coining Elections

NZ Truth, Issue 750, 1 November 1919, Page 6

The Coining Elections

In at least two Christchurch electorates a glimmer of light has already begun to appear. Mr. Henry Holland, whose political color had been for some time clouded m indecision, has, at last, announced that he will contest Christchurch South as an Independent Liberal, supporting the leader of the Liberal Party on a no-confidence motion. His only prospective opponent, at present, is Mr. E. Howard, one of the "sane-labor" stalwarts of the city. It may so unfortunately come about that the appearance of two such strong patriots m the lists of this electorate will facilitate the return of one of the country's enemies, a contingency which must, at any cost, be guarded against. The election of either Holland or Howard for South must be made a certainty. To that end is it the duty of every patriotic elector to work. In Avon our old friend, Mr. G. W. Russell is to be opposed by the most popular and the most able Labor man m the South Island, with the possible exception of the Hon. T. Paul — Mr. D. G. Sullivan. Sullivan is a typical example of the clear-headed, open-minded, deep-thinking New Zealander. Born m the country, and possessed of the true spirit of patriotism, he has displayed m his municipal and other public activities, a penchant for dealing with civic problems such as has brought upon him the encomiums even of his most prejudiced and nar-row-visioned opponents. For several elections, Sullivan has far outdistanced some of the strongest and best-fan-cied candidates for municipal honors, and has always led his Labor confreres by several hundred votes. As Mr. Russell's political leanings of late have been of such a character as to raise doubts regarding their true Inclination, the same regret as is inspired by Messrs. Holland and Howard's clashing does not come bo pronouncedly uppermost. Present indications give Mr. Sullivan a fair chance of defeating both Mr. Russell and the strongest man the country's enemies can find m Avon. What a blessing it would be if we could find another Sullivan for Christchurch North. The discussion of possibilities surrounding North, East, Riccarton and Lyttelton must be held over m the meantice.