HAWKE'S BAY SEAT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16468, 19 February 1917, Page 6

HAWKE'S BAY SEAT.

LIBERAL CANDIDATES.

SIR J. FINDLAY WITHDRAWS.

ABSENCE OF UNITY.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN COBKESPONDEN-T-]

HASTINGS. Saturday. The following statement was made to-day | by Sir John Findlay :-".I found on | arrival at Hastings last night, from all, sources I could rely on. that the strong | representations made to me regarding the Liberal Party organisation, unity, and cohesion were unfortunately entirely erroneous, and that four other Liberal candidates arc in the field, two of whom at least are determined to contest the seat. I had been induced to consent to nomination by assurances, numerous, inI fluential., and confident, that the Hawke's j Bay electorate, in view of the abnormal i conditions due to war, desired this byelection to be run rather on national than local lines, and that non-resid «nce in the district would not be regarded as a disqualification. This I find is not the case. I had no desire to thrust myself into the election, for I have always been averse to re-entering politics, but my objections were overcome by an appeal to patriotic motives. I regret to disappoint many friends belonging to both parties who have asked me to stand, with a view to assisting in some solution of the national problems which confront us, but the conditio:''" represented to me, and upon wbJcli I consented, are entirely absent in Hawke's Bay. I have therefore withdrawn my nomination."

AN ELECTION PROBABLE.

THREE POSSIBLE CANDIDATES.

TBI TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

HASTINGS. Saturday.

Between 50 and 60 members of the Hastings branch of the Liberal League attended a meeting last night for the I purpose of electing delegates to attend a I convention of delegates from other parts j pf the district on Monday night, when a | candidate for Hawke's Bay seat will be i selected. Three delegates were appointed, and the meeting, by a large majority, instructed them to support the candidature of Mr. H lan Simson. Other names j submitted were those of Sir John Findlay and Mr. Clapham. If Mr. Simson is nominated by the convention on Monday there will be other ! Liberal candidates contesting the election. I Mr. A. L. D. Fraser states that be will j oppose him, end Mr. A. E. Jull will be ; asked by a deputation of Hastings citizens !on Monday night to consent to nominaj tion. The intention of the local Reform j Party is not yet made public

WRIT ISSUED FOR ELECTION.

[BT TELEGRAPH.— association.] WELLINGTON, Saturday.

The writ for the Hawke's Bay election was issued to-day. The election will be held on March 8, the writ being returnable on March 17.