THE ELECTIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 230, 27 September 1911, Page 5

THE ELECTIONS.

PARNELL. Sir John Findlay addressed a large meeting of members of the Parnell Liberal and Labour Federation at the Foresters' Hall, Newmarket, last night. The hall was full, and Sir John received an enthusiastic reception. The Minister gave a brief half-hour's address, prior to leaving to catch the express train for Wellmgcon at 9.15 p.m. In the course of his remarks, Sir John repeated the reasons leading up to his decision to accept nomination for the Parnell seat, which reasons were fully published in yesterday's "Star." He stated that he had been associated with Labour from the very beginning, and had been one of those who dratted the constitution under which the Liberal and Labour Federation worked. Whatever position he may have attained, he had worked for. He was a born New Zealauder, and having been left a penniless orphan at 16, he owed everything to the educational facilities received from the country. He hoped to return in 10 or 12 days' time, and to then throw himself thoroughly into the contest. Yesterday afternoon Sir John had a motor-car run round the boundaries of the electorate.

Mr. R. S. Briggs (Mayor of Parnell) who had been spoken of as a likely candidate, has decided not to contest the seat now that Sir John Findlay is in the field. This leaves Messrs. E. G. B. Moss, J. S. Dickson and M. J. Mack in the field as opponents to the Minister. At yesterday afternoon's deputation, to Sir John Findlay, the chairman read the following letter from J. K. Kneen, secretary of the Seamen's Union: "Although I am not an elector of Parnell, and unable to be present as one of the deputation, still I wish to convey my earnest desire that Sir J. G. Findlay will accede to the wishes of those who request hiin to contest the Parnell seat At the present time in New Zealand we want men of sterling merit and ability to direct our affairs, and I consider that in Sir John Findlay we will find all those qualities of statesmanship which are indispensable in the development oi a young country. During h.is term of Ministerial office he has proved himself a man of broad progressive ideas, and has never been afraid to push thern forward. Again hoping that he will accept the invitation of the deputation, I am, etc., .J. K. linen." A meeting of Sir John's Election Committee will be held in the Foresters' Hall, Newmarket, to-night. ME. JELLICOE RETIRES. Mr. E. G. Jellicoe, who had announced his intention of following Sir John Findlay and contesting with him whatever scat he decided to stand for, will not be a candidate for Parnell, a3 he is returning to England. He has booked his passage by a steamer leaving Australia early in November. GREY LYNN.

A meeting- of Mr. W. H. Murray's Election Committee us advertised to take place this evening in tlie Primitive Methodist Hall, Great North-road. Mr. J. Payne, who contests the Grey Lynn seat as an Independent . Labour candidate, left yesterday on a visit to Napier. On his return to Auckland ho will at once open his campaign. MANUKAU. Last evening Mr. J. B. Morton, the Liberal candidate for Manukau, met his committee in the Public Ilall, Onehunga, and placed his views before his supporters. There was a large number present, some 90 names were enrolled as a work ing committee. Mr. Morton delivered a short address, and outlined his proposed "State Right for Everybody" scheme, •which is held to eliminate all poverty from the Dominion. Mr. Morton was accorded a hearty vote of thanks and promised support from all present. The candidate opens his campaign in the Lyceum Theatre, Onehunga, to-morrow evening, when the Mayor (Mr. John Rowe) will preside. OIIINEMURI. Mr. N. Mcßobie, of Waihi, has announced himself as a candidate for j Ohinemuri in the Reform party's interest.

WELLINGTON CENTRAL.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Tuesday.

Mr. W. T. Young, Labour candidate for Wellington Central, opened his campaign to-night. He said no morty Crown lands should be sold. The State should' retain and operate sufficient land to meet all demands in regard to the national food supply. The Wellington-Lyttelton ferry service should be nationalised. Old age pensions should be increased to £1 per week, and the age reduced to 60 years. The second chamber should be abolished. Borrowing should cease. The candidate received a vote of thanks and confidence. CHRISTCHURCH EAST. (By Telegraph.— Presis Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, 'this day. Mr. James McCombs, who contested Christchurch East at the last election, is definitely announced as a candidate for Avon as a Radical Independent. Mr. Tanner is not standing.