LABOUR AND THE SECOND BALLOTS.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14222, 9 December 1911, Page 10

LABOUR AND THE SECOND BALLOTS.

SOME SPECULATIONS,

Regarding the second -' ballots in Avoni Riccarton, and East Christchurch- there was much speculation in town yesterday as to how the Labour vote will be cast next Thursday. A representative of "The Press" made some enquiries yesterday on the subject, and though he was not able to obtain anything definitely official he. obtained some expressions of opinion from leading men in the movement that are of. interest at the present juncture. It was ascertained that the local branch of the Labour Party had not yet discussed the Rotation, although the Labour Representation Committee, as will be seen by the report .elsewhere, did discuss" the question last night. It is likely: tbat the subject will come up for discussion at tho meeting of the Trades, and Labour Council to-night. Regarding tho Riccarton second ballot, it was pointed out that about" "a fortnight ago, when Professor Mills addressed a meeting at the Addington Workshops, Mr Ensor, quite unsolicited, camo forward and said that in the event of Mr Sullivan being in tho second ballot with Mr Witty he (Mr Ensor) would speak at every corner and do aH in his power to secure Mr Sullivan's return. It is stated that whilst

thoLabour Party is not officially taking any in the second ballot election, many of us members desire next Thursday to reciprocate Mr Ensor's offer. It -Kfelt that throughout the contest Mr Ensor has been "a real good sport," and his actions have been appreciated by the Labour Party, and although they differ with him politically, a large number of labour.tes will do all in their power to securo Mr Ensor's return, on the grounds that they would rather see a live man representing the constituency than a hopeless trimmer. As to Christchurch East, the position is uncertain, consequent on the likelihood of Mr Hiram Hunter (Labour) being a candidate in the second ballot, and until this point is decided, it is impossible to say how the labour vote will go on Thursday next.

(F_ESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAMS.)

WELLINGTON, December 8. An official report of a special meeting, of the National Administrative Council of the New Zealand Labour Party held this evening to consider the attitude to be taken in connect.bn with the second baikns, states that the following resolution was passed unanimously:—"That this party does not commit its members to vote for. or give their support to, ' any but a pledged candidate of the New j Zealand Labour Party."