ELECTION CANDIDATES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 262, 5 November 1931, Page 8

ELECTION CANDIDATES.

TRIANGULAR CONTESTS.

DECISIONS IN AUCKLAND.

ROSKILL AND EDEN SEATS.

There are indications in Auckland that the general election will be fought out on traditional party lines, despite the C-oalition and the decision of the leaders of the United and Reform parties to endorse sitting members supporting the Coalition as official Government candidates.

Mr. W. J. Holds worth, who some months ago consented to become the Reform candidate for lioskill, and Mr. R. Glover Clark, the Reform candidate for Eden, met their supporters last evening with a view to receiving directions, the sitting members being Coalition candidates. The member for Roskill is Mr. G. C. Munns, and Mr. A. J. Stallworthy represents Eden. The meetings decided to ignore the Coalition pact and to support Mr. Holds worth and Mr. Glover Clark as Reform Independents.

Miss Melville to Stand. A somewhat similar position exists in Auckland East. Mr. J. B. Donald, the sitting member, will have the Government support. Miss* Ellen Melville, who was brought forward 'by a number of women's organisations, has now definitely decided to be a candidate. A meeting of her friends and supporters was held last evening, and it was decided to go ahead with her campaign. The meeting was convened on account ofythe altered conditions arising from the formation of the Coalition Government, and a resolution to the effect that Miss Melville should contest the seat was carried unanimously. Speakers voiced disappointment that the new Government had made no provision for women candidates, and pointed to the fact that 14 women had been elected in Britain as supporters of the National Government. Mr. Holdsworth's Meeting. The meeting of supporters of Mr. Holdsworth was held at the King George Ball. Mr. D. Henry presiding. _ _ Mr. Holdsworth explained the development of the political situation as it affected Roskill. He said he was ready to leave himself in the hands ot tne meeting. If it were considered he should carry on he would do so, but if it were thought in the interests of the country that he should retire from the contest he was prepared to withdraw. The following resolution was carne unanimously: —"That this meeting of Roskill electors of the opinion that the need for experienced men in Parliament is greater to-day than when Mi. Holdsworth was selected to contest Roskill in the interests of Reform, when he was specially urged to do so because of his wide public experience. We would, therefore, urge him still to contest the seat in the interests of the country, and, should he agree to do so, we pledge ourselves to do our utmost to secure his accepted the invitation to contest the seat as an independent Reform candidate, and those present formed themselves into a committee to work for his return.

Eden Position.

Friends and supporters met last night at the invitation ef Mr, Glover Clark to discuss the situation as far as it concerned his candidature. The convening letter stated that as he was selected by a gathering representative of the electors of Eden he was of opinion that the new developments should be reviewed by an equally representative body. Mr. G. T. Wildish presided. Mr. Clark said he was willing to withdraw if it was the wish of the meeting, but if they wished him to remain in the contest" he would stand as an Independent Keform candidate.

After a long discussion the following resolution, moved by Mr. W. W. King and seconded by Mr. G. Witherow, was carried by a large majority: "That this meeting of Eden electors is definitely of the opinion that, in view of all the circumstances at present appearing, it is desirable that Mr. Glover Clark be a candidate in the forthcoming political contest, as such a course will result in a large and important section of Reform supporters being enabled to give an expression of their political opinion, especially as the danger of vote-splitting, which may be advantageous to the present official Opposition in some electorates, does not arise in this constituency, and, further, that the members of this meeting pledge themselves to support Mr. Glover Clark at the forthcoming election."

Mr. Glover Clark retired while the motion was put, and after it was carried he informed the meeting of his intention to go on with his campaign. Auckland West. The Auckland West position remains unaltered. Both the United and Reform candidates, Messrs. R. H. Mackenzie and J. A. C. Allum, are going forward with their arrangements. The position has been placed before the Hon. R. Masters, who has replied to the effect that no official candidate has been selected, and any announcements in respect to the various seats will be made jointly by the Prime Minister and Mr. Coates. At a meeting of the provincial executive of the United party last night a letter was received from the Reform League asking for support and cooperation in the campaigns in the various electorates. It was decided to reply stating that the desire for co-operation was reciprocated, and to urge all United party supporters to endeavour to secure the return of the Coalition candidates, whether Reform or United. Independent Transfers. Mr. J. A. Arthur, a retired public servant, who announced a few days ago his intention to contest Parncll as an Independent, has since consented to transfer his candidature to Auckland East, where his opponents will be Mr. J. B. Donald, the sitting member, Mr. F. W. Schramm (Labour), and Miss Ellen Melville, Women's candidate. Mr. Arthur will open his campaign at an early date.