REFORM’S CHOICE

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 169, 12 April 1930, Page 12

REFORM’S CHOICE

MR, JENKINS CONTENT TO STAND ASIDE UNANIMITY IN PARNELL VERDICT ACCEPTED HAPPILY Dominion Special Service. Auckland, April 11. In selecting Mr. W. I’. Endean as its candidate in the Parnell by-election the Reform Party made a very popular choice, and its prospects of regaining the seat look at the moment very bright. Eighty-five delegates were appointed to attend last evening’s conference, and the roll-call revealed only one absentee. Mr. J. B. Paterson was elected to the chair. Mr. A. M. Samuel, M.P., representing the Reform Party in Parliament, and Mr. F. F. Hockly, representing the divisional executive, briefly addressed the delegates on matters affecting the party. A motion was unanimously carried expressing continued confidence in the Reform Party, and assuring the Leader, the Right Hon. J. G. Coates, of the loyal support of the conference. The opinion was also expressed by resolution that adequate publicity had been given to all meetings called to select delegates, and that sufficient notice had also been given to enable any person desirous of standing for selection to do so. Finally the delegates pledged themselves to abide by the decision of the conference and loyally to support the selected candidate. Friendly Aspirants. Ten minutes were allowed each nominee to address the meeting, and questions were subsequently asked. Then nominees withdrew from the room while the voting was conducted. A friendly spirit prevailed among the aspirants, who jokingly discussed their prospects outside while their fates were being resolved within. Vigorous applause in the hall at last ended the period of suspense, and the four nominee were recalled. Mr. Endean was hurriedly notified of his success, and he received the handshakes of the other aspirants as they filed back into the hall. Mr. Endean thanked the meeting for the honour conferred on him, and gave an assurance that nothing would be lacking on his part to ensure Reform’s success at the poll. The other nominees again congratulated Mr. Endean, Mr. Dickson saying: I hope you will have as long a run in Parliament as I had.” Interviewed subsequently, Mr. Endean expressed his pleasure at receiving the official endorsement, and added that he intended to “put his best foot forward to win back the seat for Reform.” “Perfectly Democratic.” Mr. Jenkins said that he had no regrets. He was satisfied the selection had been made in a perfectly democratic way, and he was fully prepared to abide by that decision. He did not contemplate entering politics again. A native of the Auckland province, Mr. Endean is about 46 years of age. He is a son of the late Mr. John Endean, a well-known Thames and Auckland resident. He was educated at the Auckland Grammar School, and later gained his LL.B, degree at Auckland University College. He commenced to practise as a barrister and solicitor in Auckland about 21 years ago. For a time he practised on his own account, but in 1910 he and J. A. Holloway joined in partnership, from which Mr. Endean retired about six months ago. In sporting circles Mr. Endean is widely known and esteemed, particularly in tlie yachting world. For the past two years he has been commodore of the Roval New Zealand Yacht Squadron, and he has played an important part in ensuring the success of the annual Anniversary Day regatta, having been recently chairman of the regatta committee. During the war Mr. Endean joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and saw service in European waters. He has never previously sought political honours, but he is known as a capable speaker and successful member of the prsfession from which he recently retired.