Pool System Of Candidates

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29818, 10 May 1962, Page 12

Pool System Of Candidates

(NX. Press Assn.—Copyright) WELLINGTON, May 9. The Labour Party's annual conference today approved a pool system of Parliamentary candidates. A report to the conference said the selection of candidates should be divided into two categories. For the first category, the central executive should decide, as soon as boundaries are gazetted, the electorates that could be classified as capable of being won by Labour. These seats, together with those already held by Labour, would be contested by the most suitable candidates available. Selected candidates would contest the other electorates.

“Although this involves the contesting of many seats which we are well aware are hopeless of being won, we do not subscribe to the view that such seats should not be contested,” said the report. “We believe, however, that close scrutiny should be given to expenditure in such electorates and every step taken to ensure that whilst a creditable showing is made, no needless extravagance and unjustified expenditure of campaign funds is permitted. Such electorates should be used for political apprenticeship and there is no substitute for experience. The report said that in the candidates, due regard would have to be given geographical factors and per-

sonal aspects, but candidates should, within reason, be available for selection in any electorate. The report says such a system would enable the party to avail itself of the services of the most able candidates in the areas where they would be of greater service to the party.

“It would eliminate a situation we have been in so often in the past, where with nominations closing for all electorates at the same time, seven or eight highly suitable and eligible candidates are all nominated for a comparatively safe seat, whilst a neighbouring electorate, possibly in the marginal category, is starved ov suitable candidates.” ,