THE DUNEDIN CENTRAL CONTEST.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16293, 28 January 1915, Page 3

THE DUNEDIN CENTRAL CONTEST.

COMMENT BY THE DOMINION. MR STATHAM*S CHIVALRY. (Fiom Ottb Own Cobeespondkkt.) WELLINGTON, January 27. More than ordinary interest is being-taken here in the result of the Dunedin Central election, as it is recognised that if Mr Statham is not returned there may be a dissolution and another election. In a leading article referring to the contest the Dominion expresses the opinion that it 'will be close, _ and adds that "In handing in his resignation rather than allow it to be said! that he had won by a technicality. Mr Statham has acted in a most generous spirit; in fact, many of his friends consider that he has been almost quixotic in his generosity; and yet some of his opponents are so blinded by party prejudice that they have not hesitated to make the amazing suggestion that he should have given Mr Munro a walk-over. It is not enough for them that the people should be given an opportunity of declaring their will in an unmistakable manner: they want Mr Statham to throw over his own friends and supporters and present the seat to the other side. Such a suggestion is, of course, too ridiculous for serious consideration. Mr Statham has a duty to his supporters and to the constituency as a whole. It is not merely a personal matter. The principal consideration is that the choice of the people should 1 be definitely ascertained, and in view of all the circumstances the only way to enable this to be done was to have another election. Mr Statham's action stands out as one of the most chivalrous incidents in the history of New Zealand politics. He was quite entitled to take his seat in Parliament in the ordinary wav. There was nothing whatever to stop him from doing so had he so chosen, and the majority of politicians would probabiv have accepted the official declaration of the poll by the returning officer as final and conclusive, and acted upon it, but Mr Statham was unwilling to profit by the mistake of aai official which told against his opponent, and resigned his seat in order to set at rest all doubts as to whether he or Mr Munro has the support of a majority of the voters. His resignation has given his opponent an opportunity of fighting the battle over again on equal terms with himself, and has placed the matter once more in the hands of the electors of Dunedin Central. This is absolutely fair to both candidates and to the constituency. Mr Statham has proved himself one of the ablest and most promising of the younger generation of New Zealand politicians. During the previous Parliament he showed that he had a firm grasp of the political questions of the day, and the people of Dunedin Central would do well to retain his services as their representative. His sportsmanlike action in resigning his seat ill order to have & straight-out fight and an indisputable decision will certainly meet with the hearty approval of fair-minded , men and women throughout New Zealand."