Wairarapa Daily Times [Established 45 Years.] TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1919. THE MASTERTON SEAT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 45, Issue 14005, 16 December 1919, Page 4

Wairarapa Daily Times [Established 45 Years.] TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1919. THE MASTERTON SEAT.

' Probably jiover before in ihe history of 1 the Masterton electorate has such interest been taken in a. general election as on the present occasion. The battle was waged furiously for some, weeks i past, and the candidates, spurred on by the support that has been promised 1 them, have warmed up to their work to ' such an extent that at the final rallies to-night there is a likelihood of much i plain speaking taking place. We see no reason to alter our previous opinion that Mr Syke3 is the most suitable candidate to represent the Masterton electorate. On the contrary, our conviction has been strengthened recently by the straightforward manner in which he has dealt with the political questions of the day and the way in which he has handled the innuendoes and false statements which have been circulated concerning him personally and his political actions. Mr W. B. Matheson, who is splitting the Beform vote, is a very estimable gentleman who has unfortunately nothing to warrant his support by the electors except a considerable confidence in his own ability to set the political world of New Zealand right. Despite the belief of a certain section of Mr Matheson's supporters that he will win

the seat by about 150 votes, there are many people unkind enough to think that he will be at the bottom of the poll. Mr Holms is a stranger in the political arena, but he has put up such an excellent fight that he must command a measure of support. Some people profess the belief that the election will be fought out by Mr Sykes and Mr Holms. Mr McLeod is another new aspirant for political honours. He has fought a hard battle, but- it has been a clean fight withMiim. Unfortunately for Mr McLeod's* candidature he has associated himself with a party of extremists whom he must, in loyalty to the Labour Party, support in Parliament were he returned. Unquestionably Mr McLeod is no mean opponent, and from Reform's point of view there is the danger that the split of votes will allow Mr McLeod to slip in. In these circumstances we advise Reform supporters to solidly vote for Mr Sykes, as he is easily l the best of the two candidate's who will support Mr Massey straight-out on a no-confidence motion.