COUNTRY FIRST

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 127, 25 November 1931, Page 10

COUNTRY FIRST

DUNEDIN NOKTII SEAT

MR. R. S. BLACK RETIRES

(By Telegraph.) (Special to "The Evening Post.") DTJNEDIN, This Day. Mr. E. S. Black, the Independent candidate for Dunedin North, was waited on this morning by a number of citizens representing the Coalition, and agreed to accede to the deputation's request to withdraw his candidature so as to enable a straight-out fight between Coalition and Labour to take place. The deputation pointed out to Mr. Black that the Coalition was running a risk of splitting the anti-Socialistic vote, and a big thing would be accomplished if he could see his way to withdraw. Mr. Black, replying, said ho felt that he could win the seat, but he was prepared in every case to put the community interest and the Dominion interest first. Therefore he acceded to the deputation's request., Commenting under tho heading "His Worship tho Mayor Places Country First," the Dunedin "Evening Star" this evening states: —■ "Mr. E. S. Black has added to his long list of services to the city of- Dunedin to-day by announcing his intention of retiring, from the election contest in Dunedin North with the sole object of avoiding the splitting of tho anti-Socialist vote, which might result in a Socialist victory. The esteem in which Mr. Black is held by the citizens of Dunedin was clearly shown in tho last Mayoral election, and there is no doubt that he would have been strongly supported in the .present contest had he decided to continue. In giving his decision to retire to a strong deputation representative of the Coalition, which waited upon him to-day, Mr. Black expressed his keen appreciation of tho support he had received so far in his campaign, and his great regret that his friends and supporters should be disappointed by his retirement. He was influenced, however, only by concern for the national welfare. The present difficulties confronting the Government of the Dominion have scarcely been exaggerated. There are many difficult things to bo done, and a strong Government, supported as widely a.s possible, is essential in order that they may be done properly and effectually. The times require all loyal citizens to sacrifice personal ambition for the common good. Mr. Black has given striking evidence of his loyal patriotism

by his retirement today, and his action will bo acclaimed not only by his fellow-citizens in Dunedin, but by all throughout tho Dominion; who, in the present crisis, have the welfare of their country at heart."