WAITEMATA SEAT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22183, 9 August 1935, Page 12

WAITEMATA SEAT

MR. HARRIS .RETIRES COMPLICATED POSITION FOUR PARTIES IN FIELD POSSIBLE CANDIDATES With candidates qf four different parties in the field and the retirement of the present member, the contest for the Wni'temata seat at the forthcoming general elections promises to be unusually interesting. A definite announcement that ho would not contest the seat was mado yesterday by Mr. Alexander Harris, who has represented the constituency for the past 24 yearn. It has already been stated that Mr. W. J. Lyon will bo the official Labour Party candidate and Mr. J. Guiniven has been chosen to stand on behalf of the revived Liberal Party. No candidate has jet been announced by the National Political Federation, but the names of Mr. G. Mills, Mayor of Birkenhead, and Mr. Alexander Macgregor, a resident of North Shore and headmaster of Mount Eden School, liavo been mentioned. Tlio chances of Mr. Mills, who is a former Senator of Alberta, Canada, seem to be the more favoured. No selection has been announced !ty tho Democrat Party, but the name of Mr. Alan Donald is freely mentioned as a likely candidate. At the last two elections there have been three candidates. The voting in 1931 was: —A. Harris (Coalition Reform), 5593; A. G. Osborne (Labour), 3215; W. B. Darlow (Independent), 17G9. The 1928 election resulted as follows. —A. Harris (Reform), 4683; R. H. Greville (United), 43G8; A. G. Osborne (Labour), 2485. Tributes to Mr. Harris Mr. Harris' decision to retire from politics was announced by him at a meeting of about 50 friends and supporters, presided over by Mr. R. A. Spinley, who has; been associated with Mr. Harris in all his electioneering campaigns as honorary secretary. Also associated with Mr. Harris at the meeting were Mr. E. ,W. Alison, who was member of Parliament for Waitemata from 1902 to 1908, and Mr. J. Hislop, a former Mayor of Devonport. " After representing the Waitemata electorate for 24 consecutive years I think it is time 1 had a little holiday," said Mr. Harris. " I was first elected in December, 1911, and in seven consecutive Parliaments I retained the confidence of my constituents." Sir. Harris said the life of a politician was not fin easy one, and of recent years it had become a full-time occupation. A member of Parliament had very little leisure if ho gave proper service to his electorate. Air. Harris recalled outstanding events of the past 25 years, and said he believed the outlook was now much brighter. " I have deckled to retire into privato life and to give more attention to my home and family," said Mr. Harris. " I am egotistical enough to believe that the electors of Waitemata will regret my decision. I am deeply appreciative of the courtesy and consideration shown to me always by my constituents." " Decision Irrevocable " In moving a resolution expressing sincere regret at Mr. Harris' decision to retire and recording high appreciation of tho unremitting and valuable services rendered by Mr. Harris, Mr. Alison said that Mr. Harris had proved himself a worthy representative and a consistent adherent to his principles. " Air. Harris' decision is most unfortunate for Waitemata and for New Zealand," said Air. Hislop, in seconding the motion, which was carried by acclamation, In paying a tribute to Air. Harris' I qualities, A.'fr. Spinley said it was re- | grettable that there was no form of superannuation for retiring politicians. Several of those preseut urged Air. Harris to reconsider his decision, but he replied that it had not been mado hastily and it was irrevocable. The meeting concluded with cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Harris.