MR. ROBERTSON.

Mr J. Robertson (Labour), who defeated Mr. Field on the second ballot for Otaki, is secretary of the Taranaki Butter-makers' Employees' Union. Till recently ho was secretary of the Palmerston branch of the Drivers' Union. He arrived in New Zealand from Scotland a few years ago, where he was prominently connected with the Labour movement.

MR. J. PAYNE. Mr. Payne, the Independent Labour candidate who defeated the Hon. G. Fowlds, is a native of Lancashire. At an early age he entered commercial life. After filling various positions in business offices in file- Old Country, Mr. Payne came' to New Zealand. He worked on' a farm as a cadet and was also on tho goldfields for a time. He then resumed commercial work, and was engaged in accountancy in the offices of several Auckland firms. On tho opening of the Auckland Technical College he coqducted the evening commercial classes for 1 three years, and in 1906 he took over ! the day, as well as the evening, classes. He resigned his position at the college in July last, in order to devote his time to private business. •MR. J. O. COATES. Mr. J. G. Coates,. farmer, Matakohe, who defeated Sir. Stallworthy, was instrumental in originating the Auckland Farmers' Union, Limited, and takes an active interest in its management. He is captain of the Otamatea Mounted Rifles, and president of the North Kaipara Agricultural Association, and has filled tho position of chairman of school committees. He is also a member of' the Otamatea County Council, chairman, of North Raipara Co-operative Stores, and a prominent member of the Otamatea • Racing Club. He is a well-known breeder of Shropshire sheep and Hereford cattle. MR G. R. SYKES. Mr. Sykes, Opposition member for Masterton, is a well-known farmer and successful breeder of Romney sheep. He was one of the first New Zealand breeders to send sheep to Argentina. Mr. Sykes was also for several years secretary to the Masterton A. and P. Association. ' His farm is at Manaia, near Masterton. MR. ESCOTT. Mr. J. H. Escott, farmer, Woodville, who defeated Mr. R. B. Ross, is one of the East Coast's young settlers. For some years he has been a prominent figure in the New Zealand Farmers" Union, and has rarely missed one of its conferences. Mr. Escott war- a member of the Second South African Contingent. MR. HINDMARSH. Alfred H. Hindmarsh, Labour candidate who defeated Mr. R. A. Wright for Wellington South, is a solicitor and a member of the Municipal Association of New Zealand. He is also a member of the Hospital . and Charitable Aid Board. In 1905 ho was elected to the Wellington City Council in th* interest

of Labour. Mr. Hindmarsh i& a native of Adelaide, and a son of the late Mr. J.^Hindmarsh, who settled in Napier in 1878. Tho new member is a grandson of the late Rear-Admiral Sir John Hindmarsh, first Governor of South Australia. MR. VEITCH. Mr. W. A. Veitch. Wanganui, up to a few weeks ago, was employed in the New Zealand railways as ai> enginedriver, and resided at Cross Creek. Ho is president of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, and a member of the Railways Superannuation Board\_ .MR. J. S. DICKSON. Mr. J. S. Dickson, who defeated Sir John Findlay at Parnell, has lived in Auckland for tho past twenty-six years. He entered the drapery trado in his young days, and at one time acted as manager for Mr. Geo. Fowlds. During the past four years \\s has been in business on his own account. He has taken a prominent part in friendly society work, and he has been an active member of tho, Druids' Order for tht past twenty years. Ho was District President of that Order from 1906 to 1907. He was a member of the Remuera Eoad Board for eight years, and for three years was chairman of that body. He is at present a member of the Auckland City Council, Auckland Drainage Board, and the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. Mr. Dickson ie at present president of the Auckland Rugby League (Northern Union), and vice-president of the Auckland Lacrosse Association. MR. R. BOLLARD. Mr. Bollard, Opposition member for the new seat of Raglan, is a farmer residing m the district. Ho 15 a son of Mr. John Bollard, who has lepresented Eden in Parliament for some "years, and is a staunch supporter of the. agricultural interests. MR. F. H- SMITH. I Mr. Francis Henry Smith (Waitaki) is ! a Now Zealander, and 43 years of age. He was born in Otago. and educated at limaru, his father engaged in farming, , and Mr. Smith adopted the same calling, being now a farmer in the Albury district. He has been a member of the Timaru High School Board and of theTimaru Harbour Board, beside* having served on school committees. Mr. Smith has twice contested the Timaru seat with Sir W. Hall-Jones. At the last general election he unsuccessfully opposed Sir W. J. Steward for Waitaki. MR. R. M'.CALLUM. Mr. M'Callum, who, defeated- Mr. John Duncan for Wairau, is wellknown in Marlborough and Nelson. He is a jplicitor by profession, and for many yearns has taken a leading part in public affairs. Ho in Mayot of Blenheim and a member of the Victoria College Council. He it also Crown Prosecutor at Blenheim.