THE MASTERTON SEAT.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 184, 5 August 1919, Page 7

THE MASTERTON SEAT.

A PLETHORA OF CANDIDATES.. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") MASTERTOX, this dayPresent indications point to there being a plethora of candidates for the Maeterton seat at the general election, but whether they will all go- to the poll is another matter. Attempts are already being made to persuade one or two of the prospective candidates not to stand in order to prevent vote-splitting, but whether the efforts will be successful remains to be seen. One of the candidates, Mr W. B. Matheson, a farmer of Eketahuna, who is standing as an Independent, has already referred to efforts made by certain individuals to get him to withdraw, but he is determined to go to the poll. The present member, Mr. G. R. Sykes.. will probably stand again, though nothing ■definite is yet known in. this connection. It is believed that Mr. Sykes prefers to await the return of the party leader before taking definite steps. It has been rumoured for some time past that the official Reform candidate, .if' Mr. Sykes does not stand, may be Mr T. M 033, of Eketahuna, who is closely associated with the Farmers' Union. There are three candidates at present hoisting the Labour banner. One is Mr. W. Candy ,\a Masterton businessman and a councillor of many years standing, and who is associated with several local public institutions. He is the official nominee of the -Labour party. Another is Mr. C. Cross, a farmer of Alfredton, iwho it.is said will stand as Independent (Labour, and who is the son of 3<lr. John Cross, a well-known Liberal and Labour supporter and prohibition advocate. The third Labour is Mr A. Holms, [journalist, of Featherstpn, and formerly iof Masterton, who styles himself Demojcratic Labour candidate. Mr. A. H. Heri bert, who stood on a former occasion, is mentioned as a probable candidate. It i 3 also reported that Mr J. M. Coradine may be a candidate, but Mr Coradine'a intentions are not known. Had Mr. Ho>"» stood down at the past election Mr." Cora° dine would have been the Liberal nominee for the seat. It is surmised that if Mr Coradine does stand it will be as LdberaL It is probable that the P.P.A. will also put up a candidate.