THE COMING ELECTIONS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 135, 24 May 1911, Page 5

THE COMING ELECTIONS

THE NAPIER SEAT. DEPUTATION WAITS ON MR. GEORGE NELSON. WHO DEFINITELY AGREES TO STAND. A large and influential deputation waited upon Mr. George Nelson at his office at the Port this morning to ask him if he would consent to contest the Napier seat at the forthcoming General Election. Captain Tonkin introduced the deputation, pointing out thru it was the wish of all present that Mr. Nelson would allow himself to be nominated. He would not remark upon what was passed, but they thought changes were needed at times, and a change was necessary now. The gentlemen whom he saw present would all give their loyal support helping him to obtain the object which they 7 hoped he had in view. They hoped to see him at the head of the poll at the next General Election, and returned as member for Napier. Several other gentlemen comprising the deputation warmly supported Capt. Tonkin, and urged Mr. Nelson to contest the seat, assuring him of hearty support from all sections of the connnun iy.

Mr. Nelson in reply said he was extremely flattered that they should have assembled in such large force to meet him that morning. The question, he said, presented itself to him under three heads. First, the ability’ to get there ; second, to retain the seat after he was there ; and third, personally. As to the first he would like an estimate of the support likely to be accorded him. He took it that the deputation was fairly representative. What were the prospects, and how would the voting power divide itself? He wished to make it quite clear that if he stood he would stand as an independent Liberal. He would not identify himself with Labour or I any other party. His object would be to work in with the Government as long as his conscience permitted him to do so. He w’ould await developments. and would see some good cause for opposing the Government before doing so. If he got there he wished it understood that his retention of the seat must not be dependent upon the number of post offices or railway stations that he got for the district. He would see that justice was done to the town, but he was of the opinion that public money would be spent to better advantage on roads and bridges than on post offices and railway stations. He would like time to consider the request. Capt. Tonkin, speaking for the deputation, assured Mr. Nelson there was no cause for hesitation. Ample support would be forthcoming from all classes to make his election certain. This opinion was endorsed by. many 7 others present. Mr. Nelson, accepting the assurance given by* the meeting, agreed to become a candidate. The decision was received with hearty cheers. Mr. Nelson thanked the deputation for the confidence they had displayed in him. and hoped they w’ould not be disappointed. He must go there free and unhampered to conduct himself as he should ; other w’ise he had better stay away. Votes of thanks were passed to Capt. Tonkin for representing the deputation, and to Mr. McCulloch for organising it. All those present then formed themselves into a committee, pledged to support Mr. Nelson’s candidature.

MR. HERRIES AT PALMERSTON. L-PEH PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Palmerston N., May 23. Mr. Herries, M.P., addressed a ■well-attended meeting to-night and outlined the Opposition policy. He advocated an elective Upper House, a civil service board to deal with appointments and promotions, and the appointment of a railway commissioner. On the land question he said the Opposition policy was one of small freehold holdings. On the Native land question he advocated that these should be placed on an individual instead of a communist basis, and he also advocated the giving to educated Maoris equal rights and privileges with the Europeans. A vote of thanks and confidence was accorded.