THE HUTT SEAT

Hutt News, Volume 2, Issue 26, 21 November 1929, Page 2

THE HUTT SEAT

AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING-

REPRESENTATIVE OF EVERY PART OF

THE ELECTORATE.

MR. JAMES KERB UNANIMOUSLY

SELECTED

TO CARRY THE UNITED BANNER.

Mr. James Kerr is a native of Greymouth, West Coast, and the eldest tfon of the late Hon. James Kerr, M.L.C. He was educated at the Grey JSigh School, and served his apprenticeship in the "Grey River Argus," ■afterwards becoming manager. In 1912 he took charge of the "Hutt and Petone Chronicle," and later became its proprietor. Mr. Kerr has considerable experience in local body work, having for twelve years been a Siember of the Grey Education Board, and chairman for three consecutive terms; member of the Grey Borough Council for twelve years; Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and various other local bodies. In 1909 he stood for the Grey seat against Sir Arthur Guiness, Speaker of the House, and was defeated by a small majority. Mr. Kerr is at present a member of the Petone Fire Board, a member of the Petone Beautifying and Foreshore Improvement Society, an associate member of the Petone Borough Council, ex-president of the Central Bowling Club, president of the Petone Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club, president of the Petone Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Hutt Valley High School Board of Governors; on© of the foundation members of the United Party, and at present a member of the executive; and for the past sixteen years has been chairman of the Hon. T. M. Wilford's election committee.

SIR JOSEPH WARD'S GOOD WISHES.

Mr. James Kerr received the following telegram from Sir J. G. Ward

"I am very glad to hear of the selection of yourself by the United Party executive to contest the by-election in connection with the Hiutt seat as the Official Candidate for the Party, and have much pleasure in endorsing your candidature. I feel sure you will put up a good fight and that you will come through the contest with flying colours. Best wishes.

JOSEPH Q, WARD."

A large and representative deputation waited on Mr. James Kerr last Friday evening to offer him tho nomination . as th© United candidate for the Hutt Seat. The deputation, which comprised representatives of Petone, Lower Hutt, Juoera, Day's Bay, Eastbourne, and Koro Koro sided over by the Mayor of Eastbourne was most enthusiastic and was i>re(Mr. H. M Jones)

Mr Jones stated that the meeting •was convened with the object of asking Mr Kerr to consider a request from all present to accept nomination for a seat in Parliament- He assured Mr Kerr that if he accepted he would liave the whole-hearted support of all present and no stone would be left unttirned to further his candidature. It would be a short and sharp fight but he was confident, and had every good reason to believe that in Mr Kerr they had a man who was

straightforward and sterling character who would ably fill the position with credit to the constiuency and himself. (Applause).

Tfie representatives from the various districts expressed the hope that Mr Kerr would consent to stand and all expressed the opinion that he was the only man who could carry out the position with dignity and credit. Mr Kerr had a good record of public service to his credit, was a successful business man, and took a keen and active interest in politics and all local matters pertaining to the welfare of the district.

Mr Davy, Dominion Chairman of the United Executive, was present and expressed his great pleasure at ■-™ing so representative a gathering. He felt delighted to be associated "•r!th a man such as Mr Kerr who car- '■'*■ ••■''. the hignest esteem of such a re-

sincere,

with high

ideals and

preaentative gathering. The Execu-

tive had endorsed Mr Kerr's nomination and Sir, Joseph Ward was delighted that Mr Kerr, an old friend of his, was willing- to,, carry the United Banner. The fight would be a good one, but the opposition would find that they had a strong United 'candidate to Deat. , - Mr Kerr ©n rising t<r «r«ak, was greeted with hearty and enthusiastic applause. He said a man would he but a poor man indeed if he did not feel deeply honoured at the compliment paid to him, and he would appreciate the fine sentiments expressed as long as he lived. * In accepting the invitation Mr Kerr said Jie recognised that it would be a hard battle, and he would fight hard to retain the seat. (Applause). He would leave himself entirely in the hands of the committee and would do anything they desired. He had many friends throughout the whole electorate whom he knew would do their utmost to help him. He would fight a clean, honest and hard contest, and was confident of success. In concluding he referred to the good work that Hon. Mr Wilford had done for the district ciUTirag; the 30 years he had been member, and although they regretted his departure from their midst, they congratulated him on being elevated t©> the exalted position of High Commissioner. (Applause).

The deputation decided unanimously to accept the nomination of Mr Kerr and to do their utmost to return him as member for the Hutt seat, at the by-election-

A strong executive was set t*p with Mr Prank Campbell (Lower Hwfct>, as chairman, Mr H. A. Ryder of Petone, deputy chairman, and Mr I*. Price, Hon. Secretary.

Several sub-committees with power to add, were also appointed.