ELLESMERE SEAT.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18429, 9 July 1925, Page 10

ELLESMERE SEAT.

SELECTION OF REFORM CANDIDATE. MR D. JONES CHOSEX. At a conference yesterday of representatives from all parts of the Ellesmere electorate, Mr David Jones, chairman of the Meat Export Control Board, and formerly member for Kaiapoi, was selected as the official Reform candidate for the electorate at the approaching: General Election. The conference was attended by SO delegates, and was presided over by Mr E. 0. Huie. Other members of the executive of the Canterbury branch of the Eeform Party present were Messrs H. D. Acland, C. P. Agar, "\Vm. Anderson, and H. G. Livingstone, secretary. Mr D. Hebenton, Dominion organiser for the Party, and Mr A. E. Loach, North Canterbury organiser for the Party, were also present. The chairman addressed the meeting on the object of the conference. The pledges signed by the two candidates—Messrs D. Jones and "W. 11. Montgomery—to the effect that, they would loyally support the candidate chosen by the conference, wore read. The following motion was then submitted :—"That this conference of .delegates representing the Eeform Party m the Ellesmere electorate pledgo themselves to abide loyally by the decision of the conference and to support the candidate selected by the conference." This was agreed to unanimously. Mr Jones then withdrew while- Mr Montgomery addressed the conference and answered questions. He then withdrew while Mr Jones addressed _ the conference and answered questions. Both candidates were absent while a secret ballot was taken; this resulted in Mr Jones being selected as the official Eeform candidate for Ellesmere. A motion: "That Mr D. Jones be tho official Eeform candidate for Ellesmere," was carried unanimously. The candidates were called in and were informed of tho result of the ballot.

Mr Jonesi addressed the conference and thanked the delegates for their vote, and expressed his appreciation of the confidence shown in him.

Mr Montgomery addressed the conference, and stated that ho accepted the decision of the delegates, and would do all he could to secure tho return of Mr Jones.

Cheers were given for Messrs. Jones and Montgomery, also for tho Hon. J. G. Coates, and for the chairman. The proceedings throughout were very enthusiastic.

Mr J. Buchanan, Little River district. Mr H. Maginness, Methven district, and Mr R. McMillan, Leeston district, were elected representatives of the Ellesmere electorate on tho Divisional Executive.

MEETING AT METHVEN. A meeting of Reform supporters of tho Methven.and outlying districts, convened by Messrs Hy. Maginness and James Carr, was held in the Anglican Hall, Methjven, on Tuesday afternoon. There was an attendance of about 20. Mr Maginness was voted to the chair. Delegates Were appointed to attend the conference in Christchurch to select a candidate to contest tho Ellesmere seat. Mr A. E. Loach, organiser of the Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Political Reform League, pointed out tho advisability of forming a branch of tho New #ealand Political Reform League in Mothven. The proposal met with the entire approval of those present, who formed themselves into a committee and elected officers as follows: —President, Mr Hy. Maginness; rice-president, Mr T. S."Harrison; joint secretaries and treasurers, Rev. F. A. Tooley and Mr W. A. Haden. A vote of thanks was passed to Air Loach for his address and assistance. Mr Loach suitably resjxmded and thankctf all who had attended and espe-. jcially the Rev. P. A. Tooley, who had made the hall (very comfortable for 'the meeting.