AUCKLAND SUBURBS SEAT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20024, 14 August 1928, Page 8

AUCKLAND SUBURBS SEAT.

The announcement that Sir James Gunson has been chosen as the official candidate of the Reform Party for the Auckland Suburbs seat will be cordially welcomed by supporters of t.ho party, especially as the choice among four aspirants for the nomination has been made by agreement among themselves. A novel procedure was adopted to make a selection in an honourable and reasonable manner, as the Prime Minister has appropriately described the solution of the difficulty, and its use was possible only because the four candidates were all prepared to subordinate their political ambitions to their loyalty to the party. The same 'method would not be applicable in all cases of a multiplicity of party candidates, but appropriate means should be found elsewhere for a similar expression of unselfish loyalty to the party, so that its interests, will not be sacrificed by votesplitting. It may be presumed that, in this instance, a way to settle the matter having been adopted, the other candidates felt it had been fully justified by the result, and that they were gratified at being able to present to the Prime Minister a candidate whom they could sincerely recommend and in whose support they could confidently unite. The qualifications of Sir James Gunson for public service need no commendation to an Auckland electorate. He has won respect and admiration in a long career of successful administration in commercial and public affairs, winning distinction in the public regard by the display of exceptional ability, allied with an untiring zeal and industry in his discharge of public duties. His natural mental vigour has been developed by its constant exercise in the public service, his vision and confidence in the destiny of Auckland and of New Zealand strengthened by wide travels overseas, and that there is need in Parliament for such assistance as he could give in the country's government cannot be doubted. Through the commendable action of those who are now his colleagues in the contest, Sir James Gunson will be able to devote his undivided energies to the regaining of the seat for the Reform Party, and its supporters have the opportunity, by complete co-operation with him, of securing a result that will be gratifying for both its political value and the character of the representation the electorate will have in Pai'liament.