HAWKES BAY SEAT

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 48, 24 February 1917, Page 9

HAWKES BAY SEAT

DISCONTENT IN THE LIBERAL ! -•v ■•-■•. ■ - CAMP- " '[■

(»T . TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

HASTINGS, 23rd February.

The National Government's "compact for the respective parties in the event' of a byrelection to accept the nomination ;of the candidate supporting ■ the, party of the one whose retirement or death created the vacancy, is not bringing Hawkes Bay the' political peace and harmony that the leaders'intended.; The 'Reform" organisers here ; are: lion-;; ourably standing by. the agreement-en-tered into by, the .Prime Minister,'.*.biit^ the 'large number of the- rank and file are very dissatisfied with the position, and resent being asked to ; vote... for -.a candidate imported from Wellington or for a local man who has not their sympathies. Many?-. Reformers/ -have declared their intention to abstain from going to the poll. . . ■ .

Discontent is also rampant in the Liberal camp, and a considerable section, has threatened to, break away, and not support the official candidate; being dissatisfied with ■ the " methods which 'have been "adopted' .in'his* selection. Altogether a good deal'of feeling is being displayed, and it' is questionable whether the so-called trace will not engender more . bitterness .than would an election fought on party, lines in normal time's. -.'..'• '■'-.•.'"■-'""; '.','.

In the... meantime.... the, candidates; „are': making the besfc uso they can. of'thej' short time allowed' for . electioneering. Mr., Simson opened his".,"platform, .cam-; paign at Wairqa this evening,.-and.: Sir John Findlay makes his first appearance" before the Hastings . electors on Monday; night: ■-.■.■ „, „ , ■. ■. .:;''.:. ■, ; ';,

Mr. A. L..D. Fraser has decided to contest the seat.