CANDIDATES IN THE FIELD.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 198, 21 August 1919, Page 5

CANDIDATES IN THE FIELD.

MERRY CAMPAIGN IX PROMISE. The fact that- it is neariy five years since a general election was held, togethe.with the unusual circumstances that attend the present political situation, promises to produce an uncommonly large field of candidates at the forthcoming elections. We have had announcements for weeks past of intentions to contest various seats by aspirants to Parliamentary honours, while the Labour party has got in early by giving publicity to the names of a large number of the candidates who will represent its interests at the polls. The party has announced all its candidates for the eight Auckland city and suburban seats, and in the South it is also well forward with its campaign lists.

So far as the two principal political parties in the present House are concerned, nothing has yet been stated of an authoritative nature, as the respective leaders consider themselves bound in honour to refrain from anything in the way of party talk till the existing political truce is ended and the coalition is solemnly dissolved. But though the leaders are silent, the attitude of a considerable section of the rank and file makes it clear that the approaching campaign is likely to be fought in a very keen party spirit. Added to this is the complication arising with the formation of the Progressive party, the great bulk of its members being Reformers. A meeting of the Reform party is to be held in Wellington next week, before Parliament meets, and it is understood that the party's whole position will then be thoroughly threshed out. The older members express the opinion that there will in all probability be a good deal of falling into line, and that ranks will be satisractorily dressed to present a united front again to the electors. Meanwhile the malcontents have to be convinced, and until this I doubt is settled the dissension In the ranks of Reform posses considerable [ political significance.

The Farmers' Union is also stirring itself this year in several quarters, and at one or two places resolutions have been carried with the intent of seeking out suitable candidates in the interests of the farmers, with no particular regard for any party. The New Zealand Welfare League, the People's Political League and the Protestant Political Association all declare their resolve to take a lively interest in the next elections, and in some cases independent candidates will doubtless be brought out to represent the views of these organisations. In one way and another the man who seeks the suffrages of the voters will have plenty of mental exercise.

The members of the Liberal party will also hold a caucus about the time Parliament assembles, but there appears to be less internal discontent in this party than among the Reformers, the members as a body presenting a fairly solid front and a 'firm loyalty to party principles and platform.

Each of the large parties is, according to telegrams, to lose one of its present supporters at the next elections, Mr. T. K. Sidey, who has represented Dunedin South for nearly 18 years, and Mr. C. A. Wilkinson, member for Egmont, having decided to retire from active politics. It was also rumoured recently that Sir William Eraser, one of the stalwarts of the Reform party in its opposition days, intended to retire from office and possibly from politics, but the Minister has given a denial to the statement. There seems every likelihood that the Legislative Council will contribute a candidate for the popular chamber in the person of the Hon. J. T. Paul, who has long had an eye on the House of Representatives. Most of the candidates already announced whose names are new to politics are men of local fame only, and outside of their own particular districts public opinion remains largely undisturbed at their candidature and political beliefs. The announcement a few weeks ago that General Sir Andrew Russell proposed standing for the Hawke's Bay seat, which Sir John Findlay had previously stated he intended to relinquish this year, caused a flutter of general interest, only to die out again on the latest news that he has withdrawn his candidature and that Mr. H. M. Campbell, who held the seat for one term, will take his place. Sir John Findlay has not definitely announced whether he intends to contest any other seat this year.