MOTUEKA SEAT.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18807, 1 December 1932, Page 7

MOTUEKA SEAT.

POLLING TO-DAY. CLOSE FINISH PREDICTED. The by-election for the Motueka Seat in Parliament takes place today with Mr K. J. Holyoa-ke (Coalition),' Mr P. C. Webb (Labour) and the Hon. R. McKenzie (Liberal-Lab-our Independent), before the electors. The result will be posted on the Waikato Times notice board this evening. Before the writ was issued, the Labour Party were at work among the electors, great store being set on the value of winning Motueka, which is mainly a rural seat, but also has. a considerable mining and industrial element and relief workers’ camps to set against the farmers’ vote. How Important Motueka appeared to the Labour Party was clearly indicated by Mr Holland, who stated at Westport that he “thought if there was a swing-over to Labour at Motueka, it would be possible for Labour to win almost every seat in the Dominion." The general impression is that Mr McKenzie will take votes from Mr Webb more than from Mr Holyoalce. Many, while desiring to record their dissatisfaction with the Government, are not prepared to accept Labour, and, therefore, will find refuge in a vole for Mr McKenzie. The Labour wave reached its height a week ago, and if the polling had taken place then, there is little doubt that Labour would have won. Today tlie position is by no means so certain. There has been a decided swing!]in the closing days of the campaign "toward the Coalition and the general prediction now is that it will be a close finish either way.