THE MANUKAU SEAT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 261, 8 November 1906, Page 5

THE MANUKAU SEAT.

KDtPPOSITION CANDIDATE CHOSEN. ME. F. W. LANG TO STAND. A meeting of representatives of the various branches of the Political Reform League within the Manukau electorate, and of prominent supporters of the Opposition in districts where no branches have been formed, was held in the Masonic Hall, Otahuhu, last night to consider the selection of a candidate to stand for the Manukau seat, rendered vacant by the death of Mr. M. M. Kirkbride. Mr. W. F. Massey, Leader of the Opposition, and Mr. R R Martin, organising secretary to the Political Reform League, were present, the districts represented being Otahuhu, Onehunga, Mangere, Drury, Papakura, Ness Valley, East Tamaki, Maraetai, Papatoetoe, Hunua, Clevedon, and Papakura Valley. Mr. Massey, in referring to the cause of the meeting, referred in feeling terms to his late colleague and personal friend, who had so ably represented the district for four years. He asked for the opinion of the meeting as to who should stand as the Opposition candidate. Mr. Edwin Hall had been suggested, but had stated that for health reasons he felt that he should not become a candidate, and had suggested the name of Mr. Lang.

Mr. C. McLeod (Onehunga) proposed that Mr. F. W. Lang, ex-M.H.R. for Waikato, be asked to contest the seat.

Mr. J. Trimnell, Otahuhu, seconded, and Messrs. C. Rhodes (Hunua), A. S. Holmes (Onehunga), C. J3L Lupton (Manurewa), and S. Hodge (Papatoetoe) supported the motion, which was unanimously agreed- to. Mr. Massey, in concurring with the selection, spoke very highly of Mr. Lang's services while a member of the House of Representatives.

It was decided to present a requisition to Mr. Lang at Mangere on Tuesday next. It was decided to send a letter of condolence to Mrs. Kirkbride.

Mr. S. C. Macky, of Devonport, and formerly of Papatoetoc, hAs announced his intention of contesting the seat.