The Sun FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1914. THE CONTEST IN KAIAPOI.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 216, 16 October 1914, Page 6

The Sun FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1914. THE CONTEST IN KAIAPOI.

There' is plenty of time for the . election eaitrpaign to "warm up," but it "will "be noted with sonde satisfaction | that the candidates who have taken the lield in Canterbury up to the present have been commendably moderate 1 and fair in their opening speeches. Mr [■■ David Jones, who spoke in Kaiapoi last night, 'was no exception to' the rule; and it would appear that in this . part of the''Dominion at any rate there is a growing. to conduct political controversy along decent lines and without descending to the personalities and bitterness that so often obtrude themselves in the discussion of political matters. An ex-member of Parliament who is contesting a northern constituency ventured the opinion the other day that the present campaign was going to be the bitterest in the history of New Zealand; We hope that Canterbury at any rate will falsify ' this prediction and that the campaign will be carried to a conclusion in the spirit in which it has begun. Mr Jones covered a,, great deal of ground last night, and his. complete familiarity with pretty well every phase of the political situation enabled him ,to deal briefly and to the point in an hour and a-half with a range of subjects that would have occupied a less experienced speaker for twice the time. Politics with Mr Jones is evidently a very serious business. To some men it is a game, -and they participate with a lesser regard for the ends to be attained, than the satisfaction< of being in the team. Not so with the Reform candidate for Kaiapoi. He is essentially 1 keen, practical, and logical.-He knows exactly what he wants, and never loses » sight of the shortest arid most direct way of bringing it about. His methods; • although a testimony to his earnestness-and sincerity, are apt to excite a : good deal of opposition, but they present refreshing contrast to the conventional attitude of politician's when wooing the electors. The question of whether a thing is right is too frequently subordinated to the personal consideration:' Wi 11 it'be popular and catch votes?. There is plenty of room in the Parliament of New Zealand for men- who put their imneiples before popularity, 'although it is harder for them to get there. Mr Jones's knowledge of politics, of the administrative needs of the. Dominion, and his undoubted ability eminently qualify him for political life, and if the Kaiapoi electors return him there is no doubt that they will be ably and efficiently represented.

The ■■■Russian first line armies are engaged: in the• great test at .last—the battle front has been completed in the eastern theatre of war, and now extends from Warsaw to Przemysl. It is estimated-that the combined forces of Austria' and Germany .'number-: close on 2,(100,000, and as strong reinforcements haVe been rushed into Poland from Prussia from the west, •it is probable that thfe figures are not an over-estimate. Against this powerful combination the Grand Duke Nicholas would have at least an equal number of front line troops. Already the German left;'w:irig the (Russian right, and, if Petrograd can be trusted, .the .Germans - were p.r operly trounced. At such a distance from the battlefield; and a.t the mercy of '■■ a callous or careless censoras he is and has been, the prophet who. essays a prediction is taking all sorts of-chances. However, '■■ judging by their performances against the Axistrians, and taking into account the fact that they must have learned the lesson taught them by the Japanese, the Russians appear to have the advantage; • The: circumstances leading up to the 'conflict that rages, doubtless along the whole front in Poland correspond in many ways to those fliiit preceded the tremendous ! battle in France; the enemy had to give'battle on a line and a site chosen by liis opponent. 'lf 'report's arc to be trusted;''the Russians have so far had the better of the close engagements with 'the Gerrhans—their superiority over the Austiians lias been thoroughly established. '-'"' The struggle on the Warsaw : Przemysl front is likely to be conducted on lines 'similar to those followed by 'the Germans against the" Allies —the enveloping wing movement and the thrust at the centre. The bloody engagement at Augustwo, which resulted in General llindenbcrg having to fall back, in "confusion, was part of a flanking "movement, which was emphatically frustrated by Rennenkampf's army. The Austio-Gernian forces have been compelled to fight at a dangerous distance from their liner* of communication, and, in parts, in dif-

fieult country. Severe defeat under such circumstances would mean for the invaders a grave disaster. Their right wing will be well protected by the fortress of Przemysl, but, beyond that, the advantage (on paper) lies with the Russians.