VACANT SEAT

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 258, 28 July 1930, Page 13

VACANT SEAT

Reform Candidate MR. JAMES HARGEST Invercargill By-election Dominion Special Service. Invercargill, July 27. Mr. James Hargest has been selected as candidate for tho Invercargill by-election in the Reform interests. He opposed tho late Sir Joseph Ward in 1925, and (ho polling was very close. The announcement that Mr. Hargest will stand comes somewhat as a surprise after he had stated his preference not to enter the arena on this occasion, but it is learned that he only consented to nomination at the earnest request of the local Reform executive. With the rapid approach of polling day, August 13, the campaign promises to be short and sharp. Other Candidates. In view of Mr. Hargest’s nomination it is not likely that Mr. Whinchey will contest the election, although he has intimated that he would be prepared to stand as an Independent if Mr. Vincent Ward were not opposed by other parties. The feeling of Labour supporters in view of Mr. Hargest’s candidature is that the party should be represented in the contest, and a meeting to consider the matter thoroughly will be held during the week. Local officials of the party are still reticent, although they are prepared to admit that Labour representation in the campaign is quite probable. The difficulty appears to be in the selection of a candidate as it would be difficult to find a suitable man in the city who could commanu sufficient attention to warrant the candidature.

Mr. Hargest’s Career. Mr. Hargest was born near Gore in 1891 and was farming with his father when war was declared. Lie joined the 14th Co. of the Otago Battalion, N.Z.E.F., as a first lieutenant and sailed with the Main Body in 1914. His promotion was steady and by 1918 he was iu command of the Ist Otago Regiment. In 1916 and 1918 he was mentioned in dispatches, and after the Battle of the Somme in 1916 he was awarded the M.C., this being followed by the D.S.O. In recognition of his services the French Government conferred upon him the Legion of Honour, a decoration won by tew Now Zealanders.

Public Services.

When demobilised Lieut.-Colonel Hargest returned to Southland and bought Lis present holding at Rakahouka, where he has made many friends. A.S the officer in command of the Southland Infantry Regiment for a number of years he was popular with all ranks. He has always taken a keen interest in returned soldiers’ affairs and has been an active worker on the Southland U.S.A. ? member of the Southland Land Board, Southland Land Purchase Board and the Assessment Court he has given valuable service to the rural community. In the General Election of 1925 Mr. Hargest was the Reform Candidate for the Invercargill seat, and polled 47Jb votes against the late Sir Joseph wards 4 °Mr. Vincent Ward, who is carrying the Government’s banner in the by-elec-tion, will arrive in Invercargill on Monday in readiness for the commencement of‘the campaign at an early date. Mr, Hargest’s campaign will open next Friday.