GENERAL ELECTION

Otago Witness, Issue 2840, 19 August 1908, Page 27

GENERAL ELECTION

WHANGAREI, August 14. Mr James Harrison will stand for Marsden as a Government supporter. AUCKLAND, August 14.

Mr J. W. M'Larin, of Kainui, Waiau, near Patumahoe, has been selected by the Liberal party to, contest the Franklin seat in the Government interests at the general election against Mr W. F. Massev.

THE WESTLAND SEAT. Ufnoii Chra Own Cobbespohdent.}

GREYMOFTH, August 12 The- Seddon-Michel fight for the Westlard seat has commenced in doaxl p&rn^t. supporters of both candidates fooing hard at work. Prior to his departure for Wellington Mr Seddon visited all the townships, practically canvassing the whole, electorate. Mr Miehe-l is now at work, and arrived in lireymouth to-day, en route for the northern portion of the electorate, where he has mapped out a vigorous campaign. At Hokitika feeling is very bitter, and even at this early stage feeling runu very high. By tho time the ev<*ntful day approaches the tension will have almost reached breaking point. It can safely be said that this will be the mo3t hotly contested seat in the Dominion. Mr Michel has been mak

ing some headway lately, and his supporters are very confident of annexing the Westland seat for him.

Mr T. Mackenzie, M.P., visited Middlemarch on Friday and Saturday last. Friends of their own initiative called a meeting for Friday evening, at which some 30 or 40 were present. On being asked to make a few remarks, Mr Mackenzie dealt with the land question and representation. He advocated a more efficient commercial department both in the Dominion and abroad, which would act as a guide to all producers on questions of marketing and future prospects of prices. He also went into the question of education. Several questions were asked, the chief being regarding the liquor laws, upon which Mr Mackenzie entered at some length. The meeting was very encouraging, and a resolution was carried to the effect that MiMackenzie was the class of candidate they required, as he was well qualified to represent all interests, and also because of his lengthy experience, both local and outside. A committee was formed for the purpose of securing his election. Mr Mackenzie stated, in connection with his candidature, that he would be unable to see the, electors individually. His parliamentary and other duties would prevent that being done. Even if it were not e-o, ho thought that it was not the right thing to personally canvass electors, inasmuch as it was a violation of the secrecy of the ballot, and frequently placed electors in an invidious position, requiring them either to promise or refnee, which was not always convenient. He preferred to canvass them through their interests rather thaoi individually. His real canvaes, he hoped, would consist of his work in Parliament, his work on the Education and Hospital Boards, and his other publio work.

Mr T. Mackenzie has received a requisition asking him to become a candidate for the Wakatipu seat at the general election. In connection with this matter a deputation waited on the Hon. Mr M'Nab at Riversdale last week, and urged that Mr Mackenzie should be requested to offer hie services to the electors in that district. It is not likely, we understand, that MiMackenzie will respond to the invitation to oppose Mr W. Fraser.

It is authoritatively stated by the Tapanui Courier that the report, that Mr John Edie will contest the Clutha seat is at variance with fact. Mr Edie 1-as no such intention.