HAWKE'S BAY SEAT

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3007, 19 February 1917, Page 4

HAWKE'S BAY SEAT

| Thm choice of a successor to the late Dr. M'Nab as the representative for Hawkc's Bay in the House of Eeprescntatiyes rests with the Liberal Party, so far as the party leaders can decido such a matter. It is at least agreed that no Reform 'Party candidate shall be nominated in opposition to the Liberal Party's choice, and the two parties will work together to secure tho return of tho official Liberal nominee. Unfortunately m the choice of a candidate the Hawke's Bay Liberals appear to be divided amongst themselves, and they also seem to have disregarded the advice of their political leaders. It was generally considered' that Sm John Findlay would be the party's choice for the scat. It was known that Sir John was disinclined to re-enter tho turmoil of party politics, but in view of the special circumstances arising out of tho war he yielded to the request made to him to offer his services to the electorate and to thecountry. That his decision involved both personal and financial sacrifices we fully believe. Now wo are told that thoso who represent the Liberal Party in Hawko's Bay prefer a local candidate, and Sir John Findi.ay has in consequence declined to go further with the matter. Tho outcome yet remains to bo seen, but tho probability points to a contest between local candidates who are much less qualified than Sir John Findlay to render useful service in Parliament at tho present time.