LABOUR PARTY CANDIDATES

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28249, 10 April 1957, Page 18

LABOUR PARTY CANDIDATES

Mr R. H. McDonald Not Available

Mr R. H. McDonald. Labour candidate for Fendalton at the 1954 General Election, who was regarded as having a good chance of being selected as a candidate for one of the Christchurch seats —probably St. Albans—this year, announced yesterday that for personal reasons he would not be seeking nomination as a candidate.

“Like Mr T. M. McGuigan, the candidate for Lyttelton three years, ago, who has announced that he is not available this year, I am also hopmg for an early return to the political arena,” said Mr Me* Donald.

He said he was particularly* sorry to have to make the decision when events, and the Bay of Plenty by-election made it apparent that Labour’® . chances this year were better than' at any time since the NationalParty gained power. There would certainly be thrills in St. Albans and Lyttelton, he said.

Mr McDonald’s decision means that the Labour Party will have to introduce three new candidates in the Christchurch area this year —for Lyttelton, Fendalton and St Albans.

The St. Albans candidate at the last election, Mr M. A. Connelly, went into Parliament representing Riccarton after a by-election. Lyttelton Seat

In Lyttelton in 1954, Mr McGuigan had an election-night lead over the National member (Mr H. R. Lake), but Mr Lake’s final majori y was confirmed by a Magisterial recount. A strong possible candidate for Lyttelton this year is believed to be Mr N. E. Kirk, the Mayor of Kaiapoi. At the 1954 General Election he contested the Hurunui seat. He is well thought of in the Labour Party, and his move to a city electorate, especially one the party thinks it has an excellent chance of winning, is likely. Nominations for candidates ?lose on April 25.