EDEN BY-ELECTION

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18635, 9 March 1926, Page 8

EDEN BY-ELECTION

REFORM CHANCES BRIGHT. A FOURTH CANDIpATE. (SPECIAL TO "THE PBESS.") AUCKLAND, March 8. Sir James Gunson's chances are bright in view of Reform's large majority at the General Election, but Miss Ellen Melville's entry into the lists.somewhat complicates the issue. Miss Melville has no chance of winning the seat, as Sir James will carry the bulk of the Reform support, but she seems determined to go to the poll. What she will gain l>y her action it is hard to see. To-morrow the Labour Party's selection ballot will be conducted, when all members of the L.E.O. affiliations and Party branches within the electorate will be entitled to vote. The four candidates for selection are: Messrs G. H. E. Mason, T. Bloodworth, J. Purtell, and F. Langstone, formerly member for Waimarino. Eight booths Will be provided/ and the candidate polling the greatest number of votes will become the official Labour candidate. Miss Melville is putting as bold a front on her forlorn hope as possible. "In spite of all rumours to the contrary from interested quarters, I am going to the poll," she stated to-day. "I am receiving splendid support, and have received expressions of sympathy and encouragement from many quarters." Canterbury has produced an unexpected aspirant to the soat in the person of Mr Phil Needham, who contested the seat in 1922. Mr Needham states he will be A starter. As he' polled only 29 votes in the Temuka contest he is, no doubt, prepared ot forfeit his deposit, and Such an eventuality would seem to bo a foregone' conclusion.