THE HUTT SEAT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 25 August 1925, Page 9

THE HUTT SEAT.

NO REFORM CANDIDATE

DEFERENCE TO MR WILFORD’S HEALTH.

(BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.; WELLINGTON, Aug., 25. An important meeting of the Petone branch of the New Zealand Political Reform League last evening decided that, in view of the unfortunate state of Mr Wilford’s health and of his decision to again accept nomination for the Hutt seat, that lie has so long held in Parliament, the Petone branch of the Reform League should accept the suggestion of the organisation committee not to oppose Mr Wilford. The president (Sir Francis Bell) said that while he could 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 the Government, he wanted to suggest that under all the circumstances, and considering Mr Wilford’s long connection with the constituency, and the fact that unfortunately his health had broken and he was now a sick man, the more chivalrous course would he 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. Mr James (general secretary of the league) spoke in a similar fashion. Mr Shailer Weston said that with Mr Wilford in good fighting form the committee would have come with different advice, but it was felt that it would be an ill thing to fight a sick. mad who, however much they disliked his politics, had represented them for so long a period. Colonel Ma.bin and the chairman (Mr Jacobsen) also spoke.