THE NEW HOUSE.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20411, 4 December 1931, Page 15

THE NEW HOUSE.

elected MEMBERS. biographical sketches. are krief biographical es of elected members in the new House of Beprosentatives:Chrlstcluirch North— Mr H. Holland. • Holland was born in Yorkshire in 1809 and arrived with liis parents m Christchurch in October, 1863. IJo was educated at a private school at Woßfc Melton, and Inter at the Halkctt Public School. In 1882 he removed to Greendalo and followed the occupation , UntU 189S ' wh6Q ho «amo to Christchurch, ontering into business under the name of W. A. McLaren and Co., Ltd., engineers and genoral lyare merchants, being now head of the iirm.

ho ® rs t contested a seat on tho City Council, but waa not successful, la 1911 ho contested tho Council election again and was returned. At the ond of his first year lio resigned from tho Council in ordor to contest thoMayoral .election, and was returned for seven years in succession by an increasing majority. Tho voluntary war work of both Mrs Holland and himself were recognised by tho King, Mrs Hollaud being created an Officer of tho British Empire, and Mr Holland a Commander of the samo Order. In 1919 Mr Holland stood as an Independent Liberal for Christchurch South, but was unsuccesi ful, but ill 1925, out of four candidatod offering to represent tho Reform Party in Parliament for Christchurch North, lie waa chosen by tho selection committee, anS the electors returned him with an absolute majority of 628 over his two opponents. In 1928 he again contested the Christchurch North scat and was' returned with a majority of nearly 2000 votes.

Ohristchurch. South.—Mr E. J. Howard. Mr E. J. Howard was born in Bristol of Welsh parents, and was educated at a church school. He came to New Zealand first as a seaman, and returning to Christchurch later ho married and went to Sydney, where he lived for some time. Mr Howard eventually became foreman smelter at Broken Ilill and served in the Public Service of South Australia and Western Australia in that capacity. He studied chemistry at the Adelaide School of Mines and joined a syndicate to prospect in the MacdonalcT Ranges, Central Australia, for gold. Owing to the sickness of his wife he was recalled to Adelaide, where his wife died. Returning to New Zealand in 1902 with hiß children he joined up with the Labour movement and later became general secretary of the Independent Political Labour movement after it had decided to break away from the LiberalLabour alliance. Since then Mr Howard has filled almost every oflico in tho Labour movement, haying been president of the Canterbury Trades ami Labour Council, chairman of the Maoriland Worker Board, and later, gftieral secretary of the Labourers' Union. He has served on nearly every local body in (Jhristchurch, including tho City Council, Harbour Board, Repatriation Board, Domains Board, Board of Governors of Canterbury College, the Canterbury Agricultural College, and the Technical College. Ho was returned to Parliament in 1919 and has served ns one of the Whips of the Labour Party over since.

ChristchuxcJi East—Mr H. T. Armstrong. Mr H. T. Armstrong was born in tho North Island in 1875, and educated at a public school. He began work at a very early age in the flaxmilling. industry, and has since followed various occupations, including that of a miner, both for gold and coal. Mr Armstrong played an active part in the Trade Union movement, and was prominent in the formation of the Miners' Federation and Federation of Labour. He was formerly president ot the Waihi Miners and Workers' Union and secretary of the West Coast Workers' and the Christchurch Tramway Employees' Union. He came to Christchurch in 1916. and has served on the following bodies: —The Technical College Board, the City Council, the Domains Board and the Harbour Board, of which body ho is still a member and has served as chairman. Mr Armstrong first stood for Parliament in the Auckland Province in 1908, but was defeated. He stood for Christchurch North in 1919 and was again unsuccessful. He was elected for Christchurch East in 1922, defeating I)r. Thacker, and has held the scat ever since. Avon.—Mr D. G. Sullivan. Mr D. G. Sullivan was born and educated in Christchurch. He was apprenticed to the furniture trade in this city, but at eighteen years of age he left New Zealand 4 and travelled abroad for several years, gaining experience at his trade. He spent several years in Great Britain -and Australia. Returning to his native-- city, Mr Sullivan identified himself with tire Trade Union movement, ultimately becoming president of tho United Federation of Labour, Associating with the Political Labour League, lie became National President of that body, which, as far back as 1908, nominated him as its candidate for Avon. He was defeated, and in 1911 contested the Riccarton seat then held by Mr George Witty. Mr Sullivan was again unsuccessful. At the 1914 election he made another effort to capture Avon, and was again defeated. Several efforts to secure election as ft member of the Christchurch City Council were also unavailing, but in 1!)15 he scored his first electoral success and became a Councillor for Linwood Ward, being reelected in 1917, 1919' and 1921. In 1919 Mr Sullivan was again a candidate for Avon, and succeeded in capturing the seat from the Hon. G. W. Russell. After a bitter contest he was re-elec-ted in 1922, repeating his success at tho elections held in 1925 and 1928. In 19*23 Mr Sullivan was a candidate for the Mayoralty of the city, but was defeated by Mr J. A. Flesher. In 1925 he re-entered the City Council at the head of the poll, repeating the performance in 1927 and 1929. During the present year Mr Sullivaln was elected Mayor of Christchurch. Lyttelton.—Mr J. McCombs. Mr J- McComba was born in County Roscommon. Ireland, and arrived in New Zealand at tho age of four years. He was educated in Christchurch and was first elected to the Christcburen City Council in 1911, and to Parliament in 1913. He is now chairman of th« Finance Committee of the City Council. Kaiapoi.—Mr E. YJ. Hawke. Mr R. W. Hawke was born in Cornwall in 1805. His parents were farming people, and Air Hawke left school before he was 12 years of age to help his father. He decided to go ta New Zealand'to better his position, and

landed at Lyttelton in 1884 on the Coptic. After three years on Banks Peninsula, he began dairy-farming in Riccarton and Papanui, whero ho has now been in residence for 34 years. During that time he has held many responsible positions, as a member of the school committee, a County Councillor for 17 years, and chairman of the Waimairi County Council for two years. For several years he was president ol* the New Zealand Utility Poultry Club, and represented New Zealand poultrymcn at the 'world congress at Ottawa in July, 1927. He has been a successful poultry breeder for 25 years. Mr Hawke was elected to Parliament in 1928 as the member for Kaiapoi. ,

Riccarton.—Mr H. S. S. Kyle. Herbert Seton Stewart Kyle was born in Melbourne, Victoria, and spent bis early days in the Riverina district of New South Wales. Ho received his secondary education at Geclong College, Victoria, and entered the Melbourne University Vctcr.inary College, graduating as a veterinary surgeon in IS'Jli. In 18.09 he came to Now Zealand under appointment as a veterinarian and meat inspector. In 190G he was appointed to the position of veterinarian and manager of the Christchurch City Abattoir, and relinquished that position when he resigned some years since to enter into private practice, lie was then asked to- take control of tho veterinary services in the Fcathcreton military camp until 'tho Armistice was declared. Returning to Christchurch, ho practised his profession and carried on farming and stud stock breeding at his farm at Yaldhurst. He is a member of the General Com mittee of the Canterbury A. and P. Association, and is Mayor of Riccarton, which oflice ho is filling for the third term. He was elected to Parliament as a Reform member at tho General Elections in 1925 and again in 1928. Ho is also a member of tho Board of Governors controlling the Canterbury Agricultural College at Lincoln.

Temuka.—Mr T. D. Burnett. Mr Thomas David Burnett was born at Cave, South Canterbury, and educated at the Timaru Boys' High School. After leaving school ho worked on his father's station of Mount Cook, which he later owned, and for some time was a member of the Mackenzie County Council. Ho is a strong advocate of tree planting and co-operative farming. He was also a member of the Timaru Harbour Board. He successfully contested the Temuka electorate in 1919 against Mr C. J. Talbot, and has held the seat ever since.

■Timaru.—Mr Clyde Carr. Mr Clydo Carr was born in Auckland, and educated at Nelson College and tho Ne\y Zealand University, studying at tho Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury Colleges. He had I'lye years' commercial and banking experience, giving up business in order to enter tho Congregational ministry. 110 is a former chairman of the Auckland and Canterbury districts of the Congregational Union of New Zealand. When in Christchurch, Mr Carr was a Labour member of the City Council and the North Canterbury Hospital Board, resigning when lie was elected to Parliament an a Labour member at the 1928 General Election.

Waitaki.—Mr John Bitcliencr. Mr John Bitcliencr (C.) was born in the English Midland counties in 1801 He lost his mother in early childhood, and in 1875 his father came out to New Zealand, and they settled in Waimate. As a boy, Mr Bitehener received his schooling at the Waimate Public, School, and afterwards worked in sawmills near Waimate, and for four years fit various Southland sawmills. lie has been president of the South Canterbury Farmers' Union, and of the Waimate branch of jthe union, a member of the Advisory Board of the Farmers' Union in Wellington, chairman of directors of the Waimate Co-operative Flour Milling Company, and a director of the Canterbury Fanr.ors' Co-operative Association. Mr Kitchener has served in four Parliaments. 'At the election in 1919, when lie stood for the first time, lie defeated Mr J. Anstev (Liberal) and Mr W. G. Paul (Labour). In the 1922 election ho was opposed by Mr W. G. Paul (Labour), •whom he defeated by 4062 votes to 3560. In 1925 ho defeated Mr G. Barclay (Nationalist) by 4211 votes to 3709 votes. In 192S he was again successful, defeating Mr F. R. Cooke (Labour) by 453G votes to 3334 votes.

Hurunui.—Kt. Hon. G. W. Forbes. The lit. Hon. Georgo William Forbes was born in Lyttelton in 186 I J, being the third son of Mr Robert Forbes, the founder of the ships' chandlery, grocery, and hardware business in Lylteltou which Jatcr was known as Forbes, Ltd. He first attended the Lyttelton Public School, coming to Christchurch at the age of twelve with his parents and going to the Boys' High School. When ha left, school he entered the lirni of Gardiner and Pickering, merchants, of Hereford street, but was there only for a short time, entering the employ of his father in Lyttelton. As a boy and as a young man, Mr Forbes played football as half-back for the old East Christchurch Club, and for the Canterbury representative team. He captained a Canterbury side which defeated Otago. was abo a member of the Union Rowing Club, and frequently competed in amateur athletic events. When in the '9O 'a the Cheviot Estate was opened up for closer settlement, Mr Forbes drew a section and settled on the land with his brothers. lie has farmed in the district ever since with great success. He married, shortly after his removal to the country, Miss Winnie Gee, daughter of Mr Thomas Gee, a Christchurch timber merchant, and he has now a family consisting of one son and two daughters. Mr Forbes first toolc an active interest in politics a few years after his arrival at Cheviot, when he contested the Hurunui scat with Mr Andrew Rutherford. Both men stood as Liberals, and Mr Forbes was defeated. 'ln 3908, however,, when Mr Rutherford retired, Mr Forbes stood again, and was elected, having held that seat without interruption since that election. On tbo departure of Sir Thomas Wilford for England to take over the High Commissioncrship, Mr Forbes became the oldest member of the House of Representatives in continuous service. Mr Forbes >vas a member of the Commission set up by Mr Seddon to tour the Dominion for the purpose of enquiring into land, settlement and to gather evidence to help the Government to frame a land policy. Throughout the 1925-28 Parliament Mr Forbes led the National Party, "f which Mr E- A. Ransom, formerly Minister for Public- Works, was ' Chief Whip. When Sir Joseph Ward formed his Cabinet in December, /W2B, Mr Forbes was given the portfolios -h Lauds and Agriculture,, whiclr had previously been held "separately, and also the portfolios of Scenery Preservation, Discharged Soldiers' Settlement, and the Valuation Department. When Sir Joseph, through ill-health, was unable to sit in the House, Mr Forbes acted as deputy Prime Minister, and' during one of these periods had to pilot through the House the contentious super-land tax legislation. . OV the resignation of Sir Joseph YVard from tho office of Primp Minister, in May, 1930, Mr Fotbea was selected by caucus to lead, the United Govern-

menfc, narrowly defeating Mr Hansom. At the end of the year he went to England to represent; New Zealand at the Imporial Conference, and while at Homo was made a Privy Councillor. He returned to Now Zealand in January of this year, and was immediately facod with the problem of reorganising the country's finances, the latest move toward the solution of which was the formation of tho Coalition Government With tho Reform Party last September.

Nelson.—Mr H. Atmore. Mr H. Atmore (I.) was born at Nelson in 1870. He was educated at the public school, afterwards being apprenticed to the sign-writing trade. He first contested the Nelson seat against tho late Mr John Graham in 1902; again in 1905; and in 19,11, when he was elected, Mr John Graham having then retired. In 1914 he was defeated by Mr T. A. IT. Field. In 1918 he contested tho Wellington Central seat in tho by-election but was defeated. At the 1919 election he was again returned for Nelson, holding tho scat ever since. At the 1928 election he was elected ns an Independent, but joined tho United Party under the lato Sir Josceph Ward, being appointed Minister for Education. On the formation of the Coalition Government lie retired from the Cabinet, and became an. Independent. Motueka.-—Mr G. C. Black. Mr G. C. Black (I.) who entered politics at tho previous election by defeating Mr Hudson for Motueka, stood as a member of the "United Party, but after his retirement from that Party in the Houso, became an Independent. He is a native of Reefton. From 1923 until 1928 ho was a sessional committee clerk in the House of Representatives. Ho is 27 years of age.

Buller.—Mr H. E. Holland. Mr Henry Edmund Holland, Leader of tho Parliamentary Labour Party and sitting member for Buller, was born at Giniderrh, near Canberra, in New South Wales, in 1868. He was educated at tho Stono Hut School, Canberra, and at tho public school at Oiniderra, and was apprenticed to tho printing trade at tho ago of 14 on the. Qucanbeyan "Times." For many years bo was connected with tho Labour and Socialist movement in Australia, and in 1901 he led a strike of tailorcsses in which 2000 women and girls were involved, lie was imprisoned for varying terms in 1890, 1909, and 1913-14, the prosecutions arising out of his writings and speeches in connexion with industrial disturbances at Newcastle, Broken Hill, and Wellington. lie came to New Zealand for his health's sake in 1912 and in 1914 ho was Labour candidate for Wellington North. In 1913 ho figured prominently in tho movement to unify the forces of Labour iti New Zealand, and as editor of the "Maoriland Worker" ho led tho newspaper opposition to conscription during the war. Ln May, 1918, lie was olected member for Grey following the disqualification of Mr P. C. Wobb, and in the following year, after tho Grey electorate had been abolished by tho Boundary Commissioners, e won tho Buller seat, which ho has held ever since. He is tli3 author of many Labour books and pamphlets. Westland.—Mr J. O'Brien. Mr James O'Brien (Lab.) was boru at Forest Crock, Victoria, in 1875. He spent some years on the West Coast of Queensland coal boring. Ho was an engine-driver at the Stato Mines at Dunollic, and in 1920 became manager of the Grey River Argus Company, lie served three years on the Runanga Borough Council find a similar period on tho Greymouth Borough Council. In 1919 he contested the Westland seat against Mr T. E. Y. Seddon. In 1922 he again contested tho seat, defeating Mr Seddon by 487 votes. In 1025 lie was defeated by Mr Seddon, but in 1928 he won the seat back. Oamaru.—Mr J. A. Macpherson. Mr J. A. Macpherson (C.) was born at Slcphanton, Nnirnshiro, in 18G-'i, and was educated at the Church Street School, Nairn, and at tho Royal Academy, Inverness. He arrived in New Zealand in 1883, and lound ail appointment in Duncdiii. A few months later ho joined the railway and postal service, and in 1835 went into partnership in a stock and station business in Canterbury. From this ho sold out in 1887, buying laud on tho famous Ngapard limestone tables. Ho was invited to contest the Oamaru seat in 1899, and again in HXW, but was unsuccessful, Mr T. Y. Duncan being returned on each occasion. Mr Macpherson was approached, in 1903 with a request that, ho should contest the electorate of Mount Ida, and was chosen out of six candidates to represent the Liberal Party. His opjxment was Mr A. L. Herdman (now Mr Justice Herdman), whom he defeated by u majority of about 400, votes. ' In 1911 Mr Macpherson stood for Waitaki. but was dofeuted by Mr F. H. Smith by 2609 votes to 2525 at tho second ballot, and in 1914 lie was defeated for Oamaru, Mr E. I'. Lt?o having a majority over him of .338 votes. In 1919 Mr Lee was once more successful. In 1922 Mr Macpherson defeated Mr Lee but tho election was invalidated owing to irregularities. At a by-election on May Ist, 3!1'23. Mr Miiephereon was returned by 4492 votes to 4147. In 192-5 Mr Lee refrained the seat,' beating Mr Macpherson by 4805 votes to 3708. In 11>"38, when Mr Leo and Mr Macpherson again contested the seat, tho latter was the victor, the voting being: J. A. Macpherson (United) 5016, E. P. Lee (Reform) 4679.

Clialmeys.—Mr A. E: Ansell. Mr Alfred Edward Ansell (C.) w;:.a born in Dunedin in 1876, and was educated at the North-East Valley School. After leaving school he served an apprenticeship with a tailoring firm in Dunedin, on the expiry of which he took a trip to Loudon to further his knowledge of the business, lie WiiS successful in Working into a good position with a Loudon firm, and rcwaincdt in London for six years. He then returned to New Zealand and after some years in the retail business, he entered business as a wholesale clothing manufacturer. Mr Ansell, besides his business interests, took a. keen interest in Association football, and he was for several years a player in senior Association football as a member of the Kangers' team. He has also taken an interest in cricket, and was for several years president of the North-East Valley Cricket Club. When motoring was in its infancy in New Zealand he took an active part in motor-cycle racing. He has taken an active interest in the affairs of the Otago Motor Club since its inception in 1906, and was president for seven or eight years. He has taken a very active interest in ronding matters in New Zealand, and the ex-Prime 'Minister (Mr J. G. Coates) haw publicly stated -in Dunedin that Mr Ansell, perhaps more than any other person in New Zealand, was responsible for the Highways Act being placed on the Statutes. He was for some years president of the South Island Motor Union. Among other positions he has occupied is that of president of the Dunedin Ratepayers' Association, and he is also a member of i lie executive of the Employers' Association of Otago. At the general election in 192S Mr -Ansell successfully contested the Chalmera seat.

Dunedin North.-Mr J. W. Muuro. Mr James Wright Munro (Lab.) was born at Eoslyn in 1870, and has spent all his life in Dunedin. He has been actively engaged in Labour matters locally for many years. By occupation he is a baker, and for some years carried on a bakery budinesa at North Dunedin. For several years he was president of the Bakers' Union, and for six years he was vice-president of the Otago Trades and Labour CouueiU Ha hafs also been president of the Political Labour League. Ho sdioofl agjfinat Mr

J. A- Millar at the election in 1908 for Dunedin West, but was defeated by 4785 votes to 2335. Three years later he stood' in the Labour interests for the same seat, and was defeated in tlie first ballot* his opponents being Mr Milla? and Mr H. D. Bedford. In 15)14, when he received the support of tlio.Liberals as well as Labour in the contest for Dunedin Central, he wag defeated by Sir Charles Statham, and was defeated again by liim in 1919. Mr Munro was returned l'ov Dunedin Kortn ut a by-election in June, 192U, rendered aaceasaxy, Jajr . the death, fit |Mr

Kcliett. Mr Munro retained seat at tlje General Election aew at the end of the same year, defeating Mr Clark by 5020 votes to 4965, bat lie lost it to Mr H. L. Tapley sa. J®®®* At the local body elections in 192/ Jtr Munro was returned as a member of the City Council and of the Qtago Hai* bour Board. In 1928 be agaia e«»te»t«l Dunedin North with, three opponents, and the result was: J. W. Munro 3MS, H. L. Tapley 2872, C. K. Smith 2501, G. S. Thomson 481.

Dunedin Central. —Sir Charles Statham. Sir Charles Ernest Statham (I.) is the eldest and only surviving son of the Rev. C. H. Statham, of Dunedin. He was bom in Dunedin in 1875, and has lived there all his life. He was educated at private schools, the William street School (now the High street School), the Cathedral School (Christchurch), and the Otago Boys' High School in the time of Dr. Belaher. After leaving school he had the benefit of some years of experience in commercial life, and was trained as an accountant. He then commenced the study of the law, and was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court in--1901. He served in the City Council for some years as a representative of High Ward, in 1911, when Sir Josop i Ward was Prime Minister, Mr Statham (as he then was) entered the political arena as an opponent of the Governmen 1 , winning the Dunedin Central seat against Mr J. V. Arnold (Government)' and Mr D. Macpherson (Labour), at the election of 1914 Mr Statham stcod for Dunedin Central as a supporter of the Massey Government against Mr J. W. Munro, who was the Social Democratic candidate, and secured the seat by 12 votes. As a number of votes, the majority of which were cast in his opponent's favour, had been rejected as invalid, Mr Statham refused to talce advantage of a victory gained under such circumstances, and resigned, and at the by-election in February, 1910, he was elected by a more comfortable majority—by 4033 votes to 3926. Mr Statham came- before the electors in 1919 as an Independent candidate, his opponent being Mr Munro, and on this this occasion he secured the seat by a . substantial mapority. At the ±lMelection Mr Statham again stood as an Independent, and obtained a clear ' majority over two opponents. In 19-3 Mr Statham was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, being the first New Zealand-born member to hpld that office. He was re-elected for Dunedin Central at the la&t ' election against his former opponent, whom he defeated by 6616 votes to 4017. In 1926 he was ■ unanimously re-elected Speaker, and in the same vear the honour of knighthood was conferred on him. In 1928 he was opposed in Dunedin Central by Mr J. Bobertson (Labour), but he Retained the seat.

Dunedin West.—The Hon. W. Downie Stewart.

The Hon. W. Downie Stewart is a 80 n of the Hon. William Downie Stewart, M.L.C. He was born in Dunedin in 1878, and educated at the Otago Boys' High School and the Otago \ ;IJniversity, where he graduated LL.B. in 1900. In the aame year he entered into partnership in the firm of Downie Stewart and Payne. He was elected to the Dunedin City Council m 1907, 190? and 1911, and in 1913 he was elected Mayor of Dunedin. He is joini author with Professor L. Rossignolof. "State Socialism in New Zealand, which was published in England and America in 1910. 1 He contributed a nreface to the English trans- ' lation of Siegfried's "Democracy an New Zealand," which was publishedl ia 1914 He was a member of the Otago University Council (representing the Dunedin City Council), and a director of the "National Insurance Company and ' the Westport Coal Company. In 1.9Q5 he unsuccessfully contested Dunedin * South against Mr J. Arnold. At the election in 1914 he defeated Mr _J. T. Johnson and Mr W. E. J. Maguire in the election for Dunedm West. In 1918 his opponent was Mr. J. 4 Brown (Official Labour),, whom he ' defeated. In 1915. Mr Stewart volunteered for service ; itt ,e Great. War, and, with the. rank of - lieutenant, served in Frail%e, but in 1917 was invalided back to Zsew Zealand. In. 1921 he was offered Ministerial rank by Mr .Massey, and accepted/the office of Minister for Customs. Later on h ® J". 80 became Minister for Internal Affairs and Minister, in Charge of the Commissioner's Office, Audit, Mußeum, Regis-trar-General, Statistician, Laboratory, I aid Advertising Departments. In \ Mr Stewart successfully negotiated with V Commonwealth Government a reciprocal tariff between Australia and New v Zealand. In the election in 1922 Mr Stewart was opposed by Mr C. M. Moss, whom he defeated. Upon, a reconstruction of the Cabinet during tae succeeding Parliament, Mr Stewart relinquished the portfolio of Internal Affairs and assumed taht of Minister for .Industries and Commerce and.Minister in' cliargi? of the Board of Trade- Ju 1 1925 he defeated Mr R. Harrison (Labour). 'ln 1920 Mr Stewart was for a few months AttorneyGeneral, but relinquished that office -to become Minister for Finance. During' Mr Coates's absence at an Imperial Conference he was Acting Prime Minister. At the election of 1928 Mr Stejvart ■ won Dunedin West against "Mf C. M. Moss and Mr B. Harrison. With Sir Joseph Ward in Power, as a result of the general election, Mr: v Stewart retired to' the Opposition.- ' When " the Coalition Government wan formed on September 22nd last, with ! the Bight Hon. G. W. Forbes as Prime Minister and the Bight Hon, J. G. Coates as Minister tor Public Works. Mr Stewart was again called upon to • take Cabinet rank, and the port- ■ folio- of Finance was entrusted' to him, together with Customs and Stamp; 1 Duties, while ho also assumed the dutius . of Attorney-General and Minister in ! charge of State Advances and Land : and Income Tax .Departments.

: Clutha.—Mr P. McSkimming. Mr.Peter McSkimming (1.C.) is a • ■ native of Ayrshire, Scotland, having . been born in the parish of Dreghorn, j not far. from the town of Kilmarnock. : Arriving a- lad with his parents in Otsgo in 1878, he received hirf education at' Waitahuna Gully, Waitahuna, 'Lawrence, and finally at Stirling School. After a period of service at 4 the.brick and pjpe works, Benhar, then owned by - the late Mr John Nelson, Mr McSkimming and his father took over the colliery and pipe works,and established the business now known as and'Sqn, Ltd. Under Mr. McSkimming's leadership the industry- has developed in many directions, the L most recent being the cstabishment of the up-to-date pottery, for the manufacture of porcelain sanitary ware of all kinds. Mr McSkim- , ming is an elder in the • Presbyterian. Church at Stirling, and has always " taken an active part in all the social" . 'activities of the district;.- Besides .the business at Benhar and its various Extensions, Mr McSkimming has found, •time to engage in many other com- - merpial enterprises, including fanning. He is chairaan of directors of the South Otago Freezinfi Company and also '.of the Kaitangata Coal Company and the South Otago Starr-Bowkett' Society, and is a director -of A. and T. Burt, Ltd., the Bruce Woollen Company, the Otago Farmers'-Co-operative Association, and the Dominion" Fertiliser Company. He is & keen * believer, in tfce development | ' ' of'ti» Dominion's own resource!. • , -I

Central Otago.—Mr W. A. Bodkin. Mr William Alexander Bodkin (C.) was born in 1885-at Queeustown, where his father was a watchmaker. He received his early training at Clyde. Leaving school at 12 years of age, he worked on his father's farm, but did not take to the life, and, decided to study law. He Vent to Christchureh, where lie attended Wilson's School in Cranmer square. When ho returned to Dunedin in 1905 he attended law- classes and served in solicitors', offices. In .February, 1900, ho, was admitted as a solicitor, and later in the year lie purchased the business of Mr J. R. Bartholomew at Alexandra when Mr Bartholomew was appointed a magistrate. In 1914 he contested the Central . Otago" seat against Mr Robert Scott, but was not successful. In 1928 he again offered his serv ices to the electors of Central Otago, and on this occasion was successful. As Chairman of Committees in the House, Mr Bodkin was firm and courteous, and members generally agree ns to his fairness in that onerous and difficult position. Mataura.—Mr David McDougall. Mr David McDougall (C.) was born in 1862 in Glasgow, Scotland. Ho commenced work in 1870 with the Carron Iron Works, Glasgow, but in 1875 a depression came, and he left and took up farm work, which he continued for some years. On arrival in New Zealand Mr McDougall went to Gore, and took oil farm work, contracting, and wool-pressing in the season, and then worked in various grain/, stores at Gore for 25 years. He was employed by the Southland Farmers' Co-operative Association at (fore, and for four years held the position of auctioneer. He unsuccessfully contested the Mataura seat on two occasions, but in 1928, when he was opposed by Mr G. J. Anderson, he was at the top of the poll, the figures being:—D. McDougall (United) 4175, 'G. J. .Anderson (Reform)'4ll3.

Wallace.—The Hon. Adam Hamilton. The Hon. Adam Hamilton (C.) is a Southlander by birth. During his term of political life Mr Hamilton hae been a keen member of the Finance Committee in the House of Representatives and studied all matters of Dominion interest, especially as affecting the producers of the country. In 1921 he was appointed a member of the New Zealand Meat Producers' Board, which position he still holds. At the 1922 election he was defeated by his former opponent, Mr J. C. Thomson, by 3646 votes to 3441. In 1925 he was returned by a clear majority; the voting being: A. Hamilton, 4001; J. M. Mackenzie, 2073; G. Edie, 432; P. Gilfedder 277. In 1928 he defeated W. E. Taylor and G. Pulley. Mr Hamilton was appointed to Cabinet rank upon the formation of the Coalition Government last September. He holds the portfolios 1 of PostmasterGeneral, Minister for Labour, Minister for Internal Affairs, Minister for Telegraphs and Minister in charge of the Tourist and Health Resorts, Publicity, Registrar-General's, Statisticians, Audit, Museum and Advertising Departments.

Awarua—Mr P. A. de la Perrelle. Mr P. A. de la Perrelle (C.) was born in ■ Central Otago and . spent his ?arlyv years in ATrowtown, where he became the proprietor of the "Lake. County Press'' at the age of 21. He was. also! appointed a J.P. at that early age, and took & particularly active part in public.affairs in'the Lake County. He promoted the Lake County A. and P. Society anff the Lake County Dairy Factory. «He served' as a- borough councillor and represented Lake County on the Southland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. He has been a member of the Southland Education Board for about 15 years and served three .terms as chairman, resigning that position when he was appointed to the Cabinet of the United Government. He was elected as member for Awarua in 1922, •When he defeated Mr J. R. Hamilton; by 3531 votes to. 3480. At the next election he was (defeated by the same opponent, but was again successful in 1928, and was given the portfolios of Internal Affairs - and Industries and Commerce and a numbet of minor portfolios when the; late Sir Joseph Ward formed his Government in December of that year. Mr Perrelle resigned his Ministerial position in, September of the present year to enable the Coalition Government to be formed.

Kaipara.—The Bt. Hon. J. G. Coates. The Bt. Hon. J. G. Coates, P. 0., M.C., from an. early age took an interest in politics and entered Parliament in 1011. He* commanded' the Otamatea Mounted Riffs for seven years and joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Ho was on active service from 1917 to 1919, ,when he was demobilised With the rank of major, having been ■ awarded the Military Cross ■ with Bar for gallantry in action. In 1919 he joined the Massey Ministry and in September of that year was appointed Minister for Justice, succeeding Sir T. M. Wilford. Ho was also .given the portfolios of Postmaster General and Telegraphs, and relinquished the . Jubtice portfolio on his appoinment as Minister for Public Works in April, 1920.- Early in the following year he took over the portfolio of Native Affairs, and in June, 1923, he took his fourth portfolio, that of Railways. .He accomplished many reforms in the Administration of the Public Works Department, while his Administration of the Post Office; will be remembered from the fact that it was due to his advocacy that the Government decided, in 1923, to revert to ithe universal penny postage. The Reform Party under Mr Coates's leadership won a sweeping victory in 1925, but suffered a reverse in 1928, and- since December, 1928, Mr Coates has been leader of the Opposition. When the Coalition Cabinet was formed he was given the portfolios of Unemployment and Public Works. Pew Ministers of the Crown, and few New Zealanders, in fact, can claim a knowledge of thfe country such as Mr Coates possesses. He has travelled by train over the central and all branch systems of the North and South Island, and has motored over all parts of the country. In addition to his other attainments he is fond of all forms of sport, and is particularly, good swimmer and rough rider. and: takes a keen interest! in racing. He' is the Northern delegate to the New Zealand Bacing Conference. -One of the first public acts of -Mr Coates as a member of the Massey Cabinet was the preparation of a Bill making provision for the creation of the Main Highways and for the financing of. their ■construction and maintenance. The measure was taken step by. step by the Minister until passed into law, and successfully weathered , the criticism of almost every local authority in the country. After! the .defeat of the Government in 1928 Mr. Coates made speech in Parliament' which won the admiration of the , whole Dominion by the ' sportsmanship displayed, and his willingness to assist:the "United Government in all : peaiures for tye- benefit of the country. JCn January, 1931, ho issued * manifesto recommending _ a policy to ; the . Government to -deal with the economic crisis. He any fusion of the .parties or a Coalition, exception a basis of a prior, agreement regarding policy. Such an■.< agreement did -not- became < possible

special Economic Committee was set up in August, 1931. On the formation of the Coalition Mr Coates undertook the Ministries of Public Works and Transport and the most difficult portfolio of Unemployment. Marsden. —Mr A. J. Murdoch. Mr Alfred James Murdoch (C.) was born in 1877, and was a school teacher for many years. He then took up farming, and became a member of tlie Whangarei Chamber of Commerce. He contested the Marsden seat as a Nationalist in 1919, and was defeated, but won it in 1922 In 1925 he was again defeated, but was returned as a United member in 1928. During the United Government s term of office he held the portfolios of Mines and Agriculture. Eden—Mr A. J. Stallworthy. Mr A. J. Stallworthy (C.) was born in 1887, and was educated at a State I school in New Zealand. For many ' years he was engaged in journalism in North Auckland. He entered Parliament in 1928, taking the Ministry of Health in the Forbes Goverment. He relinquished the, office upon the formation of the Coalition Government. As a United Party Candidate for Eden in ■ 1928 bo defeated Mr V. H. Potter (R.) by 2436. >' v • Auckland West.—Mr M. J. Savage. " Mr Michael Joseph Savage (Lab.) was born at Benalla, Victoria, and worked as a miner in Australia, later managing the Rutherglen Co-operative Company. He came to New Zealand in 1907. and has been active in the Labour movement in the Dominion ever since. H© has been a member ol the Auckland City Council, and contested tfce Auckland Central seat in 1911 and 1914, being defeated both times. In 1919 he won the Auckland West seat, and has held it ever since. Wellington East. —Mr R, Semple. Mr R. Semple (Lab.) is a member of the Wellington City Council, on which he has sat since 1925. For 25 years he has been in the forefront of the New Zealand Labour movement, both in its political and industrial activities. He led thtf co-operative party which successfully completed the tunnel contract at Orongorongo. He was a member of Parliament for Wellington South, 19181919, and has represented Wellington East since 1928.

Auckland Central.—Mr W. E. Parry. Mr W. E. Parrv (Lab.) was born at Orange, New South Wales, and worked in his youth as a miner.. He arrived in New Zealand about 1900, and was president of the Waihi Miners' Union at the time of the great Waihi strike. He was prominent in the Labour movement at Palmerston North. He defeated.Mr A. E. Glover m the Labour interests for the Auckland Central electorate in 1919, and has held the seat ever since.

Auckland Suburbs. —Mr H. G. R. Mason. Mr Henry Greathead Rei Mason (Lab.) was born in Wellington in 1885, and was educated at Wellington College and Victoria College. He was admitted as solicitor in 1909, and as a barrister in 1923. Ho was Mayor of Pukekohe from 1915 to 1919. He contested the Manukau seat in the Labour interests in 1919, and the sea in 1922, and 1925. being defeated each time, and was finally elected as Labour member for Auckland Suburbs in 1928, Parnell—Mr W. P. Endean. .Mr Endean was educated at the Auckland Grammar School and gained his LL.B. degree at the Auckland University College. He began practice as a barrister and solicitor in Auckland in 1909, and retired from his profession in 1930. Mr Endean is widely known in sporting circles, particularly as a yachtsman. During the War he .joined the, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and saw service in European waters. He was returned "as a Reform member at the by-election following the resignation of Mr H. R. Jenkins in 1930, defeating Mr. W.- A. .Donald (United)' by a majority of 1485. Manukau. —Mr W. J/ Jordan. Mr, William Joseph Jordan - (Lab.) Was born, in. Kent in 1879, and educated in London. He was apprenticed to the coach painting tracje, and afterwards entered the postal service in London. He served a term in the London Metropolitan Police, coming to New Zealand in 1904. ,He was a farmer for a time, and then began business in Wellington, finally moving to the Waikato, and being for some years a member of the Ngaruawahia town Board. He served in the War, and on his return, contested the Raglan seat, being defeated. In 1922 he successfully Opposed Sir Frederick Lang for. the Manukau scat, which he has held ever since. Hamilton.—The Hon. J. A. Young. The Hon. James Alexander Young (0.) was born in Auckland in 1876, and studied dentistry at Dunedin. He was defeated for the Tauranga seat by Sir W. Herries in 1908, but won the Hamilton seat in the Reform interests in 1911, and has held it ever since. He was Chairman of Committees in 1923, a member of the Hamilton Borough .Council for ten years, and Mayor ot Hamilton three times. On the formation of the Coalition Government be was appointed Minister for Health. Waikato.—Mr T. Lye. Mr Frederick Lye (C.) is a farmer in the Carhbridge district. He was formerly farming in' Taranaki and moved to Waikato in 1916. He was first elected ; to Parliament as a Nationalist for Waikato in 1922, but was defeated at the 1925 elections.. In 1928 he was returned for the seat as a United representative. -

Bay of Plenty—Mr 3L S. Williams. Mr K. S. Williamß (C.) was born in New Zealand, and was educated 1 - at Christ's College, Cliristchurch. Ho took up farming on the East Coast of the North Island, and was greatly interested in local Government. He was chairman of the Waiapu County Council until elected for the Bay of Plenty upon the death of the Hon. W. D. McDonald in 1930. In the Coates' Ministry, Mr Williams was Minister for Public Works. He lias been in-terested-in the promoting of .the freezing industry. Napier.—Mr W. E. Barnard. Mr W. E. Barnard was born in Now Zealand and began practice as a solicitor in 1908,- carrying on business at Helensville for some years. He has been president of the Helensville Chamber of Commerce and" a member of the local musical society and tennis club. Mr Barnard, who is a returned soldier, joined the Labour Party in 1922, and helped to found the Helensville branclf of the organisation, of which he was secretary for five years. He has also been president of the Kaipara L.B.C. In 1925 Mr Barnard moved to Napier and in the same year unsuccessfully contested the Kaipara sejst against the Bt. Hon. J. G. Coates. He contested Napier as a Labour sandi"date in 1928, asd was returned,

. Waipawa—Mr A. E. Juli, Mr Albert Edward Jull (C.) -was born and educated in Canada, and came to New Zealand in 1877. He has taken a prominent part in friendly society work and has been a member of several local bodies in the Waipawa' district for many years. He is a member of the Main Highways Board, representing counties ,and president of the Counties' Association. He is a past president of the New Zealand Fire Brigades' Asso-. ciation. He contested the Waipawa seat as a Liberal against Sir George Hunter at every election from 1911 onwards, until he was finally elected at the by-election in October, 1930, following Sir Goorge's death. Pabiatua—Hon. E. A Ransom. The' Hon. E. A. Ransom (C.) was born at Lower Hutt in 1868. He took up sheep-farming in the - Dannevirku district and was the first president of the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce. He was Mayor of Dannevirke lor a period. He was for nine years vice-president of the Dannevirke A. and P. Association, chairman of the Firo Board from 1911 to 1920, chairman of the Hawke's Bay War Relief Association in 1920 and 1921, and chairman of the Dannevirke tower Board. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1925 with a majority of 113 votes over the sitting Reform candidate, Mr A. McNicol. Mr Ransom was Minister for Lands in the United Ministry, and continued in that office upon the formation of th° Coalition Government. ADD election biographies Masterton.—Mr Q. R. Sykes. Mr G. R. Sykes (C.) was born at Trentham, and has lived in the Wairarapa~~ district since 1873. .He was secretary of the Masterton Agricultuial and Pastoral Association, and was the first secretary ,of the Masterton branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. Mr Sykes first entered Parliament as the member for Masterton in 1911, and since then he has served continuously in the House. Mr Sykes was interested in rural workers' homes, and by special legislation provided for by the late Mr Massey in 1913, he had established at Solway, Masterton, the first rural workers' home settlement in. New Zealand. Mr Sykes assisted in the establishment of the Farmers' Mutual Firo Insurance Company. At the 1928 General Election he was returned bv 1238 votes. Waitoino—Mr W. J. Broadfoot. Mr W. J. Broadfoot, the Independent Coalition candidate who was returned unopposed for the Waitomo seat, is Mayor of Te Kuiti, and first entered Parliament as a United member in 1928. Ho is a practising solicitor in To Kuiti, and is well known throughout the King Country. Since his entry into politics life has been a strong advocate of land settlement. The fact that he was unopposed shows the influence that he lias gained in his electorate.

Waimarino.—Mr r. Langstone. Mr F. Langstone was for many years associated with the Shearers' Union, Inter becoming keeper of the Railway Refreshment Rooms and a restaurateur in Taumarunui. In 1919 he was defeated for the Waimarino seat by Mr R. W. Smith, but was returned for the electorate in 1922. He was again defeated by Mr Smith at the 1925 election by 140 votes; but was returned oneo more at the 1928 election. Rangitikei.—Mr A. Stuart. Mr Alec Stuart, who has been returned as Coalition member for Raflgitikei, is a native of Scotland. He left school at 12 years of age, and went to work on a farm for about 2s 3d a week. At the age of 19 he camo to New Zealand, and after several years bought a small farm, which he worked so profitably that he was enabled to purchase his present homestead "Runny mede," Marton, now one of the most productive and best-farmed in the district. Mr Stuart, was chairman of the Farmers' Union, president of the Marton A. and P. Association for three years, chainnan of. the South Makirikiri School Committee and also chairman of the Advisory Board set up by the Government to enquire into the position of soldier settlement. He has been a member of the Rangitikei County Council, and is a director of the New Zealand' Farmers' Co-operative Distributing Company and also a/ justice of the peace. New Plymouth.—Mr S. G. Smith. Mr S. G. Smith (C.) was born. in New Plymouth in 1879. He was in the Railways service for 20 years, taking a keen interest in Trades Union matters and was a'member of the council of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants. He serVed as member of the New Plymouth Education Board, the High School Board of Governors, the Technical College Committee and the Taranaki Schools' Committees ' Association. Mr Smith entered Parliament in 1918 when he won the Taranaki seat at a by-election! He was returned again in 1919 and 1922, but was defeated at the 1925 elections by Mr C. E. Bellringer. Mr Smith rogained his seat at the last election, in 1930 Mr Smith entered the Cabinet, taking the portfolios of Labour and Immigration. He was "later appointed Minister for Unemployment and was chairman of the first Unemployment Board. He was replaced by Mr Coates a few months ago upon the formation of the Coalition, and "was'appointed Chairman of Committees.

Tauranga.—Mr 0. E. de la B. Macmillan. Mr Charles Edward de la Barcia Macmillan (C.) was born in St. Croix, Danish West Indies, in 1872, the son of Captain Macmillan, R.N., and fhe Baroness Marie de la Barcia, He arrived in New Zealand in 1881, and took up a farm in . the Katikati district. He has been director'and secretary of the Tauranga Dairy Company, secretary of the Tauranga Dairy Association, chairman of the East Coast Shipping Company, and for many years a member of the Katikati Road Board, Tauranga County and, Borough Councils, and Harbour Board. He won the seat in the Reform interests from Sir Joseph Ward in a by-election in 1923 and has held it since, then. Waitemata.—Mr A. Harris.-, -Mr Alexander Harris (C.) was. born in England and came to New Zealand as a young man. He was elected to Parliament in 1911, as ,Reform member for Waitemata, and has held the seat continuously since then. He has served as chairman of the Industries and Commerce Cbmraittee, and visited England in 1923-24 as a member of the Advisory Council in connexion with the New Zealand exhibit at' the British" Empire Exhibition.

Investigation nth Taranaki. engine "drivtr \v-as elected a jincinber of foard, and irf Board. -A t ' During the or Mincsyind the portfolios ;lie Coalition ; to New aing in the ng tho offices iirmaiiship^of t A. Nadu f":a fine record i.born in Fox-' at tho on North, and fionsly ho was eal bodies, h is other ioy. ho entered n l. stoie at Is entered the lie;business of hat tune has ,co and valua* & returned by was first elecn.the House, is educated at barrister and early days he a yery interesenery prescrtember of ; the Board anif Sew Zealand erved on the d in a threeB a native of wherehe •■was to New Zenbranch of Conference at s he has been sh of England ngton diocese. of

'that year was elected to the. national secretaryship, an office which he still holds. ' Mr Nash ■unsuccessfully contested the Hutt seat against Sir T. M. Wilford in 1925. At the 1928 ejection, Mr Nash was again defeated, but at a by-election in December, 1929, hewon the seat in a triangular contest by. 212 votes. '." Manawatu—Mr J. Linkiater. Mr Linkiater ' (C.) was born in Stafford, West Coastj.Now Zealand, and received his early education on the Coast. Mr Linkiater was a member of the Rairanga River Board, and was chairman of the Kairanga County Council for seven years, resigning that position only ; when elected to Parliament in 3922. During the Great War he was a member of the Efficiency Board, and'a captain-of the Motor Service Corps. 'At present he is a member of tho Manawatu-Oroua Electric Power Board and a trustee; of Flock House, with which he has been connected since the'inception of the scheme. He is also a director of tho Feilding Freezing Works, doputy-president of the Manawatu A. and P. Association, and has just completed his 10th year as chairman of the Foxton Harbour Board. Mr Linkiater first contested the Manawatu seat in the Reform interests in 1922, when .he'was elected. He has been the sitting member ever since. At the last election he was returned in a fourcornered contest by 1466 votes.

Wellington North.—Mr O. H. Chapman. Mr.C. H, Chapman (Lab.) has served oi\ the Wellington City Council for eight years, the Harbour Board for eight years, the Hospital Board for eight years, and the Technical College Board of Governors for nine years. • On behalf of the. Labour Party he contested Wellington South in ISQB,. Hawke's Bay in 1019 and 1022, Wellington Suburbs in 1825, and Wellington North in 1938, when he waa elected. Ha con-, tested the- Wellington Mayoralty in J985,' In May, 1931, he was returned to the City Council, but lost bis seat on tho Harbour . Board. Wellington ioutli.—Mr &. McKeen. ; Mr R. McKeen (Lab.) was born in j Edinburgh in 1884 arid educated at West Calder, Heart of Midlothian, i After working as a grocer's assistant in co-operative stores there, he came to New Zealand in 1899. Since his arrival in the Dominion, Mr McKeen has held tho secretaryship of scvor.il unions*, and for three years was secretary of the Wellington Labour Representation Committee. He acted on school committees for several years, and is a member of the City Council. In 1922 he was returned 88 the LabourSocialist member for Wellington South, defeating tho Independent candidate, Mr G. Mitchell. He retained the scat in 1925. At the 1928 General Election Mr McKeen was again returned. Wellington Central.—Mr P. Praser. Mr p. Fraser (Lab.) was born in Boss-shirc, North of Scotland, in 1884, and early in life he waa associated with the crofterß' agitation against the private landlord system. He joined the: Independent Labour Pa,rty in Lon4on in 1908 and came to New Zealand in 1910. Ho worked at Auckland and, Wellington and other parts pf the North Island as a labourer and jvatferaider, and joined the New Zealand Socialist Party. Elected to /Parliament -for Wellington Central in 1919, be has held the seat ever since. For sevejal ' years he sat on the City Council, but was defeated by Mr B. A. Wright in the eontost lor the mayoralty in 1923. Ho is" socrctary of ■ the Parliamentary Labour Party, and has. often been described as its ablest member" and potsfl-' tial' leader. At tho 1928 General Election Mr FraSer was returned by--a, majority of 3458'. votes. Wellington Suburbs. —Mr R. A. Wright. ' Mr K A. Wright (C.) was born in -Dunedin, and lived in his early years at Hoki'tika. After serving an apprenticeship on- tho "West Coast Times, n he joined the Government Printing Office at Wellington. Finally Mr Wright entered business in partnership as a printer. In 1908 ho defeated Mr W. H. P. Barber for the Wellington South ; seat. ,In 1913 her was efeoted to tho Wellington " City Council, aid -i* a C2I io was elected to the" Mayoralty* hold- • isg that office for four _ years. Aiwr serving one in Parliament ho was nnsiattjd, bvt ia 1914 he was returned, as the membe? for Wellington Suburbs -and hasejjiee held the seat continuously. In* May, 1926, during the Coates Government, be was appointed Minister for Educitioii. In addition to the main portfolio, he had charge of several important Departments of State, ana,lft -.1928 was acting-Minister for Labour during the absence of the Hon. «• Anderson. He was responsible for/tne complete revision of the primary .school syllabus undertaken in 1927. Avtlift 1928 General Election, Mr Wright retained his seat by 1985 votes..