By-election Contest

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 98, 28 April 1939, Page 8

By-election Contest

POSSIBLE CANDIDATES FOR CHRISTCHURCH SOUTH A by-election in Christchurch South consequent on the death of Mr E. J. Howard will be the second by-election held in the Dominion since the Labour Party was returned as the Government in 1935. The first was caused by the appointment as High Commissioner in London of Mr W. J. Jordan, the Manukau seat being then' retained for Labour by Mr A. G. Osborne. Whether a by-election will take place will depend on the decision of the National Party to contest the election .or the nomination of any other person. Till the decision of the National Party is made known, most interest will centre in the Labour Party’s selection of a candidate. Though attempts have been made at past conferences to alter it, the rule stands that selection rests with the national executive. In practice in the past the national executive, though making the choice, consults both the electorate and Labour Representation Committee. The Christchurch South selection is likely to be highly interesting. Three names certain to be prominent in the pre-ballot discussions are those of Miss Mabel Howard, daughter of the late member, Mr R. M. Macfarlane, mayor of Christchurch, who was Labour candidate for Christchurch North at the election last October, and Mr T. H. Langford, No. 3 Transport Authority, who was narrowly defeated for Riccarton in October.