REFORM IN PARNELL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20537, 11 April 1930, Page 12

REFORM IN PARNELL.

[BY-ELECTION CANDIDATE.

"MR. W. P. ENDEAN SELECTED.

FOUR NAMES IN BALLOT

MR. JENKINS ELIMINATED

Mr. W. P. Endenn has been selected ns the official Reform candidate at the Parnell by-election on May 7. Tho selection was made at a conference of delegates at the Remuera Library Hall last evening. The. other nominees were Mr. J. S. Dickson, Mr. 11. R. Jenkins and Mr. R. Clover-Clark. Ihree ballots wore conducted beforo the final choico rested on Mr. Endean, who was subsequently congratulated by the other three aspirants, all of whom expressed the opinion that the ballot had been carried out in a thoroughly fair mannerA very flatterinc; reception was accorded Mr. Endean after his success at the ballot, was announced, and confident hopes were expresesd that he would win tho seat for tho party.

Two Ex-M.P.'s In Ballot. Rarelv has a Reform selection ballot been invested with more interest. Included in the four aspirants were two former members of Parliament. One, Mr. Dickson, had held the seat for Reform from 1911 until 1928. when he was defeated by the other, Mr. Jenkins, then a United P.-irlv candidate. In gaining his success over Mr. Dickson, Mr. Jenkins was to some extent indebted l-o a third nspirant, Mr. Clover Clark, who organised Mr. Jenkins' last campaign. Thus tho successful nominee, Mr. Endean, was tho rinly one of tho four who had not, been actively identified with the last contest Jn Parnell.

The by-election was precipitated by the action of Mr. Jenkins in resigning his Feat, following his break with the United Party. Ho intimated then that ho felt he should give the electorate an opportunity to express its opinion on his actions. Shortly afterwards Mr. Jenkins paid he would join the "Reform Party, and go fo that party's ballot to decide who should be the official candidate. As the position has turned out Mr. Jenkins will now not be a candidate, and the rights or wrongs of his action in leaving the party will accordingly not become a prime issue at the by-election.

Confidence in Mr. Coates

Sithtv-five delegates were appointed to

Attend last evening's conference, and the roll-call revealed only one absentee. Mr. J. B. Paterson was elected to the chair. Mr. A. M. Samuel, M.P., representing the Reform Party in Parliament, and Mr. F. 'F. Hockly, representing the divisional executive, briefly addressed the delegates on matters affecting the party. A motion was unanimously carried, expressing continued confidence in the Reform Party, and assuring the leader, the lit. Hon. J. G. Coates, of the loyal sup- '' port of the conference. The opinion was also expressed by resolution that adequate publicity had been given to all meetings called to select delegates, and that sufficient notice had also been given to enable any person desirous of standing for selection to do so. Finally the delegates pledged themselves to abide by the decision of the conference, and loyally to support the selected candidate.

Friendly Spirit Prevails. Ten minutes were allowed each nominee to address the meeting, and questions were subsequently asked. The nominees withdrew from the room while the voting was conducted. A pleasing feature of the proceedings was the friendly l spirit which prevailed among the aspirants, who jokingly discussed their prospects outside while their fates were being resolved within. Vigorous applause in the hall at last ended the period of suspense, and the four nominees were recalled. Mr. Endean was hurriedly notified of his success and he received the handshakes of the other aspirants as they filed back" into the hall.

Mr. Endean thanked the meeting for the honour conferred on him, and gave an assurance that nothing would be. lacking on his part to ensure Reform's success at the poll. The other nominees again congratulated Mr. Endean, Mr. Dickson saying: "I hope you will have as long a run in Parliament as I had." A tribute was paid by Mr. E. H. Northcroft to those responsible for arranging the preliminaries leading to the conference. Mr. Glover-Clark proposed a motion expressing that sentiment, and Mr. Jenkins seconded the motion, which was carried.

Interviewed subsequently, Mr. Endean expressed his pleasure at receiving the official endorsement, and added that he intended to "put his best, foot forward to win back the sent for Reform." Mr. Jenkins said he had no regrets. He was satisfied the selection had been made in a perfectly democratic way, and he was fully prepared to abide by that decision. He did not contemplate entering politics again. Career of Mr. Endean.

A native of the Auckland Province, Mr. Endean is about 46 years of age. .He is a fon of the la'e Mr. .John Endean, a wellknown Thames and Auckland resident. Mr. Endean was educated at. the Auckland Grammar School, and later gained his LL.B. degiee at the Auckland University College He commenced practice as a barrister and solicitor in Auckland about 21 years ago. For a time he. practised on his own account, hut in 1910 he and Mr. J. A. Holloway joined in partnership, from which Mr. Endean retired about six months ago.

Iri sporting circles Mr. Endean is widely known and esteemed, particularly in the yachting world. For the past two years he has been commodore of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, and he has played an important part in ensuring the success of the annual Anniversary Day regatta, having been recently chairman of (ho regatta committee. During the war Mr. Endean joined the I)oval Naval Volunteer Heserve, and saw service in European waters. He has never previously sought, political honours, but he is known as a capable speaker and a. successful member of the profession from which he has recently retired.