MARSDEN

Observer, Volume XVIII, Issue 1092, 2 December 1899, Page 9

MARSDEN

The Time Has Come for Progress.

Mb Robert Thompson has monopolised this seat for the last fifteen years or more. It has been a comfortable berth for him. He ha 3 avoided party opposition by a policy of ' all things to all men,' exciting hostility from none, and he has contrived by adroit rail-Bitting to be on the side of every Government of his time, whether it was Conservative or Liberal. Bat what haß Mr Thompson done for North Auckland ? By playing a lone hand, and opposing every endeavour to secure a united Auokland party, he has isolated North Auckland altogether. He has kept it stagnant. The North Auckland railway would have been completed ere new if the northern members had been less selfish and more alive to the interests of their constituents. Two candidates are opposing Mr ThompsoD, in the persons of Messrs G. E. Alderton and Hector Siaison, and either would make a better member than Mr Thompson. Mr Alderton has, however, the greatest claims upon the district. He is progressive in his -ideas, he has spent money and time in exploiting its resources, and no man has done more to advertise its advantages and attract capital there. But Mr Alderton's opportunities are limited. He has not the advantage of benefiting his district that a member of Parliament possesses. But, were he a member tomorrow, Mr Alderton would fairly boom Whangarei and the whole of Marßden. If the electorate is prepared to wake up, and is anxious for progress, it will find a live, hustling member in Mr Alderton.