REFORM CANDIDATE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19027, 26 May 1925, Page 11

REFORM CANDIDATE.

mr. Mclennan selected. DECISION OF CONFERENCE. A RECORD ATTENDANCE. The candidature of Mr. E. I). McLennan for tho Franklin scat was unanimously supported at a mooting of tho Auckland executive of tho New Zealand Political Reform League yesterday. There wero 44 present at the meeting, which was called to arbitrate between Mr. McLennan and tho Rev. W. C. Wood, both of whom had been proposed as Reform candidates. Ninety-three delegates from all parts of the electorate met in the Masonic Hall, Otahuhu, in tho afternoon. Before proceeding with the business a vote of condolence with the family of the late Prime Minister was carried,- delegates standing jri silence. Mr. It. B. Todd, Mayor of Otahuhu, was elected to tho chair. Those present pledged themselves to abide by the decision of the conference in any choice of a candidate. Mr. McLennan was then declared tho official Reform candidate. Mr. McLennan addressed the meeting, and was given a very hearty reception. On tho motion of tho Rev. W. C. Wood the delegates expressed their full confidence in Mr. McLennan. Members of tho Auckland executive, including Mr. V. 11. ['otter, M.P. for Roskill, and Mr. T. A. Johnson, Reform candidate for Manukau, also spoke. Ninety-three delegates at a Reform conference to select a candidate constitutes a record, and shows tho earnestness of tho party supporters 'that their late chief's seat should not bo lost to the party. A rumour that Mr. C. K. Lawrie, of Pukekohe, intended to stand as an Independent Reform candidate resulted in the organiser paying a visit to Pukekohe. After discussing the matter, Mr. Lawrie pledged his whole-hearted support to Mr. McLennan.