COALITION SELECTION

MR. W. APPLETON

The selection of Mr. W. Applctoa as the Coalition United candidate for Wellington. South was announced this afternoon by the Right Hon. J. G. Coatos. The previously announced Eeforni and United candidates, Messrs. N. A. Foden and J. Burns respectively, have signified their agreement to stand down in favour of Sir. W. Appleton, who now stands opposed to the official Labour candidate, Mr. R. M'Keen, and Mr. S. T. S. Martin, Independent. Commenting this afternoon on his election, Mr. Appleton said that when he was approached to stand as a supporter of the Coalition Government by business and residential interests in Wellington South last week, he stated that ho would only consider the proposal if ho had a straight-out contest. "I explained," ho said, "that I was not anxious to appear as a candidate at this time, but realising that it is essential that a sound and stable Government be returned, I was prepared to offer my services, and now I have pleasure in acceding to the request." COUNTEY BEFORE PAETY. The following statement was made by Mr. Foden:— "In order to reach finality with regard to the selection oi: a Coalition candidate for Wellington South seat, it has been proposed to me by the party leaders that as Mr. Forsyth, a Coalition Beforrn candidate, is having a straightout contest for Wellington East, it is desirable that a Coalition United candidate should have the preference in regard to the electorate for which I had hoped to stand. The fairness of this suggestion commends itself to me, and in the interests of the country and of my party I willingly make way for the nominee of the United Party. "There is no doubt that in times like the present the merit in obtaining a clear-cut decision from the electors in straight-out contests outweighs the detriment that might exist in having to make arrangements in respect of candidates and constituencies. The guiding factor both for candidates and parties must necessarily be the welfare of the country as a whole, nor can there be any doubt that the return to more prosperous times must bo heralded by a restoration of stability and eonndonco throughout industry and commerce, and in tho world money markets. If I can help in this direction, whether by going forward or by retiring, I am happy to be of service to country and party. I fiavo chosen the latter course, and gladly withdraw in favour of the selected Coalition United candidate, whom I commend to the favourable consideration of the electors of Wellington South. "I regret that I havo not had the opportunity to confer with the numerous supporters of my party in the district, but as an early announcement is desirable, and as tho reasons for the decision are obviously well founded, I feel sure they will concur in tho courso taken." ME. BUENS'S WITHDEAWAL. Mr. J. Burns, in a statement to a "Post" reporter, said that as the original offer of coalition came from tho United Party, that party putting country before party, he, from a sense of duty to the country and his party, had decided not to contest the seat against Mr. Appleton. "I realise," he added, "that my decision will perhaps be disappointing to my supporters in the electorate, but I ask them to believe that this action is being taken on the highest possible grounds, namely, towards the welfare of our country in a time of grave national crisis."