Candidate Not Sure Of Getting Election Leave

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30231, 9 September 1963, Page 12

Candidate Not Sure Of Getting Election Leave

(New Zealand Press Association)

INVERCARGILL, Sept. 8. Some doubt has been expressed that Mr John Reid, who has been selected as the Labour candidate for the Wallace seat, may be able to obtain release from his employment to contest the election. Mr Reid is an assistant secretary of the Public Service Association. It is understood Mr Reid was advised by the president of the association, Mr E. J. Batt, that he felt Mr Reid should not proceed on any assumption that he would be granted leave on the same terms as those who apply in the Public Service. Under the Electoral Act, 1956. a public servant may stand as a candidate. He must advise the commission when he is nominated, and when selected. He is placed on leave, without pay, from the last day of official nomi-

nation until after the election. In Wellington today Mr Reid confirmed that before his selection he had been advised of the uncertainty by Mr Batt. He had felt “duty bound” to tell the Labour Party officials in the Wallace electorate of this possibility. “The Wallace selection committee and I have proceeded on the basis that, in accordance with the basic terms of my employment, leave will be granted, and that I will have the same rights as any other citizen to contest a Parliamentary seat,” said Mr Reid.

He said the exact period of leave necessary for the campaign would not be known until he had discussed the matter with the Latour Representation Committee .in Wallace. When this was known, he would formally apply for leave.