Ashburton Guardian Megna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1893. CAN YOU SPOT IT?

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XIV, Issue 3134, 20 November 1893, Page 2

Ashburton Guardian Megna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1893. CAN YOU SPOT IT?

11 Who can spot the winner ?" This is how the question is put by the sporting element of the community, in reference to the Ashburton and Rangitata seats. And the answer is usually a dubious shake of the head, because the answer is a very difficult one to give. Had the contests in each of the two districts been simply trials of strength between one man representing the Seddon Government with the disturbing element of Sir Robert Stout eliminated, and one man representing the Opposition, it would have been comparatively easy to say what the result would have been—given, of course that the men seeking election were fairly equal. But the contests are not one of this nature only—nor is it altogether a question of men or of measures. There is, after all, no really burning question before the country, and to many politicians there is very considerable difficulty in choosing between the leaders. There are men who favor Mr Seddon's Government, and believe implicitly in his political creed. Others on the same side of the House look coldly upon the Kumara champion and would rather see the Bunedin Knight accede to power. The Opposition as we knew it in the last Parliament is, as a contemporary puts it, l( beaten and broken,butnotdispirited," and is but a remnant of what it was when its great leader Sir Harry Atkinson was Premier of the colony. But the division among its opponents gives new hope to this party of once again exercising influence upon the politics of the country. Among the candidates seeking election for Ashburton and Rangitata no two hold exactly the same views, and there is in addition a cross fire to disturb the prophets' vision from a not to be despised temperance party prepared to shoot (politically of course) every candidate opposed to direct veto; an also not to be despised liquor party whose fire will also be across the line, at all in favor of the veto, or further tinkering with the licensing laws in a way adverse to their trade. These two parties, if not stronger than they were at last election, are certainly more active in the campaign on this occasion than they were in 1890, while the labor party— so great a factor then—if not weaker is at least far less demonstrative to-day. And then comes in the great element of uncertainty—the female vote. And he would be a man strongly gifted with second sight, who would be able to say just how that vote will be bestowed. For If a woman will, she will— You may depend on't; And if she won't she won't— And there's an end on't. And with all due deference to the many intelligent electors among the fair sex, we are confident that too many female voters will be bestowed in extraordinary ways. So that with all three conflicting and uncertain influences at work, we say again he wiU be a smart man who can spot the winnera..