MR. M'KENZIE'S REPLY.

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 90, 16 April 1923, Page 8

MR. M'KENZIE'S REPLY.

j In a statement to "The Post" this afternoon, Mr. M'Kenzie referred to the vote-splitting negotiations that took place at the last campaign. He'said he was then approached, by the Town-Planning and Progressive League in order to ccc if it was possible'to reduce the number of candidates. His committee appointed three gentlemen to confer with th« committees appointed by the other candidates, and after several meetings his sub-, committee reported that it had been agreed to take a preferential ballot.. His comirfftiee approved the action, but unfortunately the conference fell through. "It was reported to me," said Mr., M'Kenzie, "that an agreement had been arrived at on the proposal of one of the other committees', that in protection of their candidates the successful nominee at the election should retire for one or other of the unsuccessful men. This was agreed upon. I was asked by the secretary of the Welfare League to'submit my name to a further conference. My private reply to him was as follows: 'In furtherancer»of, our conversation, and on the advice of my trustee, the Hon. J. G. W. Aitken, and after consultation with Mr. T. W. Hislop, I have consulted my chairman, the Rev. G. W. Askew, and have decided to go before a committee on similar terms to the other conference. Mr. Aitken promises to assist me on a future occasion. Will you kindly approach the other candidates, and I will call upon you later on the 'phone in order to select, a committee of elimination..' "

Mr. M'Kenzie then read the confidential letter of. which he had sent a copy to • the Mayor, and continued: "Mr. Wright in his challenge says that he was not consulted, nor did he know any of the reasons why. I retired on the last occasion. I therefore leave, it to the public to judge for themselves by the two letters referred to." ,