PARNELL VACANCY

SURPRISE CAUSED

MR. HEWITT'S CANDIDATURE

(By Telegraph.)

(Special to "The Evening Post.")

AUCKLAND, This Day

The latest development concerning the Parncll by-election is a statement made by.Mr. W. C. Hewitt, who stood as a United Party candidate at the last election, that he will contest the seat as a Liberal-Labour candidate. Mr. eicwitt resides in Parnell. After making the statement he left for Putaruru. "I hardly think that Mr. Hewitt would have gone so far as to announce his candidature as a Liberal-Labour candidate without first consulting some of his friends," said Mr. J. Trcvcthick, chairman of the Auckland provincial executive of the United Party, yesterday, in expressing surprise at the report that -Mr. Hewitt was announced as a candidate. "I have not come into contact with Mr. Hewitt to-day, so I do not know what the position is," added Mr. Trevethick. "Mr. Hewitt was a United Party candidate at the General Election, and-I am inclined to think that his position has been misunderstood. However, I prefer- to await Mr. Hewitt's return to Auckland before commenting on the position." It was stated by-Mr. Trevethiek that a further meeting of the Auckland executive' of the party would be held today, but nothing definite toward the selection of the official candidate would be done until the end of the week. Several very fine men were available, and it was desired to take time in order to make the best • possible choice. Mr.: Trevethiek said tho organising of the campaign was now being proceeded with. It could bo taken for crantcd that sonic members of the Ministry would later come to Auckland to address meetings.