MAYORAL CANDIDATES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20176, 9 February 1929, Page 12

MAYORAL CANDIDATES.

TWO MORE WITHDRAWALS.

MR. HOLDSWCRTH'S REASONS.

DEPUTATION TO MR. VAILE.

An intimation that he could not accept nomination for tho office of Mayor of Auckland was given to his supporters yestorday by Mr. „W. J. Holdsworth, chairman of tho Auckland Electric-Power Board.

In a letter to a deputation of business men, who asked him to stand, Mr. Holdsworth said that while he appreciated the motive that prompted their action, and fully realised the importance attached to the position and the need at the present time of a sopud, progressive policy in civic matters, ho could not see his way to accede to the request. To do justice to the position would, in his opinion require one's whole and undivided, time. This, owing to the many activities in ■which ho was engaged, would be impossible. Nor did he feel justified in setting them aside, even for what might seem a greater honour. Mr. E. H. Potter, Mayor of Mount Eden, who has also been urged to be a candidate, stated yesterday ho was consulting further with his friends and supporters before making any declaration of his intentions.

Arrangements have been made by a committee, headed by Mr. A. J. Hutchinson, for a deputation to wait on Mr. H. E. Vaile on Tuesday to ask him to be a candidate. Mr. Vaile said yesterday he could not say whether he would accept tho invitation, repeating his previous utterance that he would have to be assured that his services were desired before he would contest the election. " I will let you know in about two months' time," was the reply given by Mr. T. Bloodworth, when asked for a statement concerning his intentions. Another withdrawal yesterday from the list of possible candidates was that of Mr. G. W. Hutchison, but he has agreed to be a candidate for membership of the council. Mr. Hutchison said he believed a candidate for tho Mayoralty should first have had some experience of the City Council work.

The position now is that the only.announced candidates are Mr. G. Baildon, the present Mayor, and Mr. W. H. Murray, a member of the council.