THE TIMARU ELECTION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2087, 19 August 1890, Page 3

THE TIMARU ELECTION.

(Ashburton Guardi-m, August 8.) “ A prophet is not without honour save in his own country,” The foregoing quotation will apply to politicians as well as to prophets, and Mr J. M. Twomey, of Temuka, realising this, has stepped beyond the borders of his own district, and aspires to represent the electorate of Timaru in the House of Representatives. Mr, is a vigorougs writer, an able journalist, a been debater, and a fearless and persevering advocate of any cause which he espouses. He takes a keen interest in every public question engaging the attention of the country, and anything appearing over his signature in the metropolitan or country Press in this part of the colony, will always arrest the attention of those who have the welfare of New Zealand at heart. Mr Twomey is therefore well qualified to seek election to tbs House, and can certainly not be accused of presumption in doing so. His opinions and views will always command respect and attention, and his return for Timaru would be welcomed by the Liberal party. (A*hburtoD Guardian, August IS.) |

Why Mr Twomey has retired from the contest does not clearly appear. He had been promised a large amount of support, and seemed to be the favorite with the electors, and, had he gone to the poll, would no doubt have scored a victory. He certainly could not retire in favor of either of Mr Kerr’s opponents, as no one can know better than Mr Twomey that neither of these gentlemen has the remotest chance of being returned to the House at the present political juncture, when experienced men are required at the helm of public affairs. His retirement could only have the effect of strengthening Mr Kerr’s position, and indeed has done so. It is not for members of the Liberal party to fight each other, and on this principle Mr Twomey has doubtless left the field, but in doing so, we fear, has sacrificed his chance of being returned for the constituency should he again offer himself, and his action in offering himself at all may have the effect of injuring his chances at the forthcoming election should he decide to contest a seat nearer home. This is to he regretted, as the energetic proprietor of the Tbmttka Lbadbe is a gentleman whose presence in the House would be felt power, and his accession to the Liberal ranks would he much appreciated.