THE WELLINGTON SUBURBS ELECTION.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VII, Issue 353, 29 April 1897, Page 11

THE WELLINGTON SUBURBS ELECTION.

We think it is safe to say that no byeelection that has taken place in the history of this colony has caused more intense interest than the one just decided in the suburbs of Wellington. From a Ministerial, and also from an Opposition, standpoint, it represented a desperate struggle between the Government and those who represent the Opposition in the New Zealand Parliament, in which the Government proved victorious. The question, however, of Prohibition versus Moderation was an important factor in the contest, and we rejoice to know that the latter proved victorious by obtaining a substantial majority in its favor. Mr 0. Wilson, the successful candidate, is a journalist whose writings have secured for him a high position in the ranks of New Zealand journalists, whilst Mr Atkinson is a rising y.oung lawyer, practising in the City of Wellington. Mr Wilson, by precept and example, has endeavoured to prove that liberty, toleration, and the free - will agency of the New Zealand colonists is the policy best suited to advance the best interest of the young and growing colony in which we live. Mr Atkinson, on the other band, has preached and practically supported the narrow unpracticable doctrine laid down by Sir Fobert Stout, Eev. Isitt and Co., and at the election he was supported by all the strength which that effete party could bring to bear in the advocacy of his candidature. We do not say that all other issues were obscured, but it is quite safe to assert that the main issue was a struggle between Mr Wilson as a temperate candidate and Mr Atkinson as a supporter of fanaticism, and we confidently assert that temperance people and every lover of New Zealand liberty will rejoice over the result. We heartily congratulate Mr Wilson on the result of the election, and we trust the effect of his victory will be to stimulate the moderate party in New Zealand, to cause the party to concentrate their energies, and to become convinced that the victory achieved for moderation in the Wellington Suburbs can, by judgment and united action, be repeated in every district in New Zealand, from the North Cape to Stewart Island.