THE WESTLAND SEAT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13652, 23 July 1906, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE WESTLAND SEAT.

MR T. E. Y. SEDDON ELECTED HOKITIKA, July 13. Tho weather continued wet for tho closo of the election campaign. The day was cold, with south-west, showers. The candidates have had an arduous time touring the electorate, the weather throughout being rough. Both received many wires.. Mr Scddou received a caMo from Sir Joseph Ward wishing him success. With 25 returns to hand the figures were: Michel, 1155; Seddon. 1303. With 29 returns to hand tho voting was: Michel, 1288; Seddon, 1635. With 35 returns in the figures were: Michel, 1483; Seddon, 2109. With 39 returns tho figures were: Miohel, 1600; Seddon. 2223. With the latest returns to hand avails able the voting was: Miohel, 1634; Seddon, 2231; majority for Seddon, 617. There are seven small returns to oome> but those cannot affect the result. Both candidates addressed a large assemblage in front of the Supreme Courthouse, whero tho returns were being shown by limelight, Mr Seddon expressed his grateful thanks for the support accorded to him, and expressed pleasure at the manner in which, the contest had liecn conducted. Mr Seddon concluded by calling for threo ohcers for his opponent. Mr Michel thanked bis supporters, and announced his intention of contesting the' seat again at the first opportunity, when he felt sure long services would bo first and sympathy second. Great cheering greeted both candidates, who were carried shoulder-high. The waiting crowds were amused by an exhibition of pictures, including a number of local caricatures, while parodies of "Tommy Atkins" and "Sons ofMicsoa" did service for musical honours. Mr Seddon will remain on the Coast for sonic little time, and visit localities where ho had been unable to visit in tho short time of the campaign. Ho has received a. large number of congratulatory messages.!' Mr T. E. Y. Seddon, tho new member for Westland, was born at Kumara, on the West Coast of the South Island, in 1884-, so that he is now in his twenty-second year. As a small bov lie was educated at the Kumara State School. When the. family removed permanently io Wellington, lie was sent to the Terrace State School, and from there he proceeded to Wellington College. On leaving tho Wellington secondary school he passed tho. matriculation examination of the New Zea, land University, and continued his studies at Victoria College. Having decided to adopt the law as a profession, he entered' the office of Messrs Findlay, Dalziol. and Findlay, and some, time ago he passed the. first section of his LL.B. examination. He) did not particularly distinguish-himself at school nor at college, except as an athlete,or, rather, as a short-distance runner. In this capacity ho represented Victoria College for four seasons. He also played in the football teams of Wellington College and Victoria College. Mr Seddon—or Tom Seddon, as his friends and acquaintances call him—is a good-looking, manly young fellow, and has made himself very popular in Wellington. Most people have thought it a mistake his going in for politics under present circumstances and hoforo he has completed his university course. That, however, remains to ho seen. ' hough ho does not at present appear to have anything like his father's ability or determination, he may. if ho continues to hold the Westland seat, develop in both directions. The*' dominating character and the Tccord of his father must, however, ahvavs be somewhat of a handicap to him in politics. July 16. The final result of the Wostland election ' Seddon ... 2403 Michel 1683 Majority for Seddon, 720. Number on the roll, 4484. Mr Seddon is remaining on the Coast for the present, and is now engaged visiting, various parts of tho constituency. Ho will bo entertained by tho ladies of the district during the week. A mooting of the supporters of Mr H. L. Michel was held in tho Town Hall this evening, when tho hall was crowded. Tho meeting was for the purpose of organising a testimonial to the defeated candidate, and subscription lists were opened for the purpose of providing a fund. The meeting was characterised by immense enthusiasm, and in a short time the sum of 5125 was subscribed in the room. Speeches eulogistic of tho straightforward, gentlemanly manner in which Mr Miohel had conducted his campaign were made, and at the close of the meeting three hearty cheers were given for him.