GENERAL ELECTION

MID-CANTERBURY SEAT

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, July 8.

Although nominated with Mr. Arthur jN. Grigg for the National Party ballot for the selection of a candidate for the Mid-Canterbury seat, Mr. Peter D. Hall, Hawarden, stated this evening that notwithstanding the nomination he would not be a candidate against Mr. Grigg. Nominations closed at 5 p.m. today. Mr. David Jones (Wellington) and Mr. M. E. Lyons (Christchurch), who were previously nominated, both withdrew from the contest during the week and the general expectation that Mr. Grigg would be unopposed. The announcement that Mr. Hall had been nominated came as a surprise. Earlier in the week Mr. Hall stated that he would not stand for the seat, and when Interviewed at Christchurch this evening he said:—"l confirm what I said a few days ago. No matter what the circumstances I,wiU not oppose Mr. Grigg." "Messrs. Jones and Lyons have withdrawn from the contest," announced Mr. A. A. McDonald, chairman of the electorate committee, in a statement tonight. "It is the opinion qf the electorate committee that these two are in no wajy responsible for the situation that has arisen. . It feels that it is indebted to both Mr. Jones and Mr. Lyons for their ■ generous attitude in placing party interests before self. It expresses its high, appreciation of the sporting attitude adopted by them, thus saving a very difficult situation. "Furthermore, newspaper .reports which have appeared recently are not official."