STRATFORD SEAT

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 18 July 1928, Page 4

STRATFORD SEAT

AN INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE. MR W. J. POI.SON TO STAND ' 9 .MR MASTERS DECLINES NOMINA- , TION. At a political meeting held at Stratford yesterday .it- was decided to 'support the candidature of Mr W. J. Poison, Dominion president of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, for the Stratford electorate at the forthcoming general election. After the meriting the following statement. wa,s made to the Press: — “Tn response to a unanimous request from a large -and representative meeting of delegates from 'all' parts of the Stratford electorate at Stratford today, Mr W. J. Poison has consented to contest that seat at the coming election. Mr Poison, in accepting nomination, stated definitely that he was opposed.' to the' present Government, but has aifctdt de would bo an independent one. He pointed out that while at present he was unable to definitely, ally himself with anv party, he realised! that cooperation was essential in politics. He was satisfied There would emerge from the election some party which would give the country a more efficient and representative government. He hoped to bo able to support such a party. As president of the Farmers’ Union, he had found it necessary to enter politics in order more effectively to carry out the programme which had taken so much of his time- and attention in x-e----lent years, a programme designed to bring about, a better understanding between town and country, .r-t was easy to realise that a solution of the .problems which wen? handicapping primary .producers would increase production, bring aliout greater -prosperity, -and. re;i' t in better conditions for aB sections the community. A country which- so largely denended on primary production for its welfare must encourage it.s fnrmincr community by every means in its power. The ' policy he. would support would be fully expalined when he met the electors on at platform.” MBl MASTERS DECLINES.

Mr IT. At astern Jias definitely declined to contest, the Stratford seat. Ha has been requested to consent t-o nomination in several quarters, -but at a meeting held at Stratford yesterday he declined, stating that business reasons were mainly -responsible for his refusal.

THE REFORM CANDIDATE. As announced in these columns yesterday, Mr E. Walter, the present member for Stratford, has reconsidered his previous decision to retire from! politics and will now contest the seat. Air J» R. Hine has been mentioned as v a candidate for the same electorate. It is understood that a meeting of Reform supporters will be held at Stratford shortly, probably this week, to select an official party candidate.