THE ELECTION

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 48, 25 August 1925, Page 4

THE ELECTION

HUTT ELECTORATE

REFORMERS WILL NOT CONTEST

THE SEAT

An important meeting of th« Petone branch of the New Zealand Political Reform. League was held in St. Augustine's Hall, Petone, last evening, which, in spite of the very inclement weather, was well attended. The chairman of the hranch, Mr. Jacobsen, presided over the gathering; Sir Francis Bell, Mr. T. Shailer Weufcon (members of the Reform League executive), Colonel F. B. Mabin {Wellington organiser), and Mr. E. A. James (general secretary of the league) accompanying the chairman on the platform.' . * In opening the proceedings, the chairman expressed his regret that it had been found necessary to suspend the meetings of the branch for so many months us the result, first, of Mr. Maseey's protracted illness and death, theft pending the reault of the fusion negotiations and the uncertain political situation. .He was pleased, however, to lee «ueh a good attendance on what wa« a very unfavourable night for the meeting, and particularly so because they had then* president. Sir Frauds Bell, with them and other* visitors from Wellington. He intimated that important matteri were coming up for their consideration, and he trusted they Would be fully discussed, and that any decision arrived at would be urianimous^ Sir Francis Bell, wno was the first speaker, said that he wu there more in his capacity as an elector of the district than as a member of the Government, to consult witn and to lay certain sugges-' tions before them in regard to the representation of the electorate. They h^d honoured him by making him their president, but he was pleased to know that they had such a capable chairman iand so enthusiastic a band of workers, who had built up a real live organisation of Reformers in Petone during the last twelve or eighteen months. The circumstances under which they had met ■were disappointing^ for they had to consider a very unfortunate situation. Their member, Mr. Wilford, who had now become, thl'ough Mr. MoSsey's death, the oldest member of the House of Representatives, having beert returned for the Hutt constituency during the last seventeen years, was a sick man; his supporters had, although he had resigned the leadership of his party, asked Mr. Wilford to remain as their member, and had promised to do all they could to secure his return at the next election. While lie did not agree •with Mr. Wilford's politics, and in other circumstances would have strongly, advised them to carry on and capture the seat for the Reform Party and Government, he wanted to suggest that, Under all the circumstances, considering Mr. Wilfoi'd's long connection with the constituency and the fact that unfortunately his health had broken down, and he was now a sick man, the mote chivalrous course would be not to oppose his return, so far as they were concerned; and to do their best to keep the Labour-Socialist candidate.out of Parliament.' Sir Francis spoke in high terms of Mr. Coates, the now leader of Hie party, and assured them that he was well worthy of their cuntideiice and support. '< -.Mr. iS. .A'.VJMtles, ::the/n6xt speaker, spoke in'similar fashion. He said 'that the Reform Organisation Committee having discussed very fully and carefully the position of affairs in Hie Hutt electorate, had, in view of All-.' Wilford's ill-health, decided to suggest to the supporters of the Reform Party in the electorate that they should not proceed further with the selection oi a candidate, but allow Mr. Wilford to have a walk-over so far as they were concerned. He came to them tfrom the committee -A-itb. that suggestion, but at the same tune the committee recognised that it was their business; that the decision whether they would, or would not, contest the seat rested with them, and it was for them to say whether they would or would not oppose Mr^ Wilford's return. He suggested that they should come to a decision on the matter before they separated, and give the other branches of the league in the electorate a lead in the matter. He fur- ■ ther strongly advised them to see that they did not assist the Labour-Socialist candidate by remaining away from the poll, if they decided not to oppose Mr Wilford. At the name time, he urged them to keep their organisation intact so as to be ready for any emergency Mr. Shailer Weeton complimented the chairman and the members present on the very good attendance at the, meeting, and the interest they evidently took in the political situation. ' 4 He endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers, referring to Sir Franois Bell as the Nestor of the Reform Party, whose counsels and advice had been of great service to its members. Under other circumstances, and with Mr. Wilford in good fighting form, they, as representatives of the party's Organisation Committee, would come to them in different fashion and with other advice. But they felt that it would be an ill thing to fight a sick man, who, however much they disliked his politics, had represented them'for so long a period. He concurred in. the suggestions already made that they should give Mr. Wilford a freo run in view of his breakdown in health, and thought they would be acting wisely and magnanimously in deciding not to contest the seat against him. Mr. Weston further advised them to see that they did not, by • neglecting to record their votes, assist the candidature of the Labour candidate. Colonel Mabin, as organiser of the Wellington and Hutt group area, also spoke. He referred to the very complete organisation that had been set up in the- Hutt electorate during the last few months. They, had branches at work with "a real live membership at Hutt, Taita, Epuni, Silverstream, ,Wni-nui-o-mata, Eastbourne, and Petone, and were so well organised that he felt they could, for a certainty, have won the seat with the candidate they had in view. But the circumstances wefe such that they could only suggest to the members of the league that they should withdraw their opposition to Mr. Wilford, but keep their organisation alive, so that they would be prepared for any eventualities. Questions followed, which were answered by Sir Francis Bell, and finally it was decided, in view of the Unfortunate state of Mr. Wilford's health, and of his decision to again accept nomination ior the seat he has held SO long in Parliament, th/at the Petone branch of the Reform League should accept the suggestion of the Organisation Committee not to oppose Mr. Wilford's return. During the evening the Park (Maori) Musical Party rendered somo very fine selections, which were much appreciated, the ladies serving refreshments at the close, and the proceedings ending with votes of thanks to the chairman,, the visitors, and th« ladies.