RIGHT TO STAND

THE SOUTHLAND SEAT

MR. HARGEST REPLIES TO

ATTACK

In the opening speech of his campaign for the Invercargill seat on Friday night, Mr. J. Hargest, the Eeform candidate, complained of tho attitude adopted towards him by the "Southland News," which supports the United Party. • The "Southland Times" (Eeform) of Saturday.'s date, states that Mr. Hargest read the following letter signed '' Curious,'' which appeared in the previous evening's "News": — "As an admirer of your sane, fearless, and impartial leading articles, I write to ask you to explain why Reform thought fit to oppose Mr. Vincent Ward who, I. am convinced, was morally entitled to succeed as Invercargill 's representative, owing to .his valuable work for the country during the illness of his distinguished father. What has Mr. Hargest, a country resident, done to make him worthy of -. representing, tho 12,000 city doctors' of Invercargill? "' "What have I done1!" asked Mr, Hargest. "Ladies and gentlemen, I stand here before you as a candidate for the luvereargill'seat. If you don't want me, don't vote for me. But I have a right to stand. (Hear, hear.). So has Mr. Vincent Ward, every .right to stand —on-his own feet. (Laughter.) . . .

I put it to the working man: is he going to support me or is he going to support Mr. Vincent Ward? I work with my hands and the whole product of my labours goes into Invercargill. I understand the views and problems of the working man. Compare me with Mr. Vincent Ward, the director of companies in the North, Island, an absentee."