MR. HARRIS' POSITION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22260, 7 November 1935, Page 15

MR. HARRIS' POSITION

ATTITUDE TO DEMOCRATS STATEMENT CHALLENGED A LETTER QUOTED An allegation that the statement regarding the defection from the Democrat Party of Mr. A. Harris, Independent National Government candidate for Waitemata, made by Mr. Harris, was incorrect, was made by Mr. Alan Donald, the Democrat candidate for the constituency, at a meeting at Devonport last night.

Mr. Donald said Mr. Harris had been reported as stating that he had linked up with the Democrat Party in its early stages, but had broken the connection because of changes in the party's policy and the personnel of its leaders. However, the speaker had in his possession a letter, which he produced, written by Mr. Harris. The communication explained the position. Mr. Donald said the letter was signed by Mr. Harris, dated August 6, and addressed to Mr. A. E. Davy, chief executive officer of the Democrat Political Organisation. It read as follows: — " You will have heard the news, of course. I am sorry to let you down, but I feel I cannot honourably take a definitely hostile step against the party with which I have been associated for 24 years. The matter has given me much thought, more so on account of my promise to tho Democrat Party to contest the election in its interest. That, at the time, I fully intended to do, but further consideration convinced me that long years of association —even where sharp disagreements exist—demand a certain measure of loyalty. " I have told the Government Party that I am definitely withdrawing from the contest, and retiring from political life at the end of the present Parliament. It is probably quite unnecessary for me to say so, but you have my assurance that in taking this step I have no other motive than that mentioned above. Further, that no rapprochement of any kind has been made to me by tho Nationalists or anyone else. Under the circumstances, you will understand I shall not be attending next week's conference." Mr. Donald said that " next week's conference " was the conference at which policy matters and personnel of leaders were discussed. The speaker regretted he had been forced to bring personalities into the campaign, but he felt he had to explain tho position. Endeavours to get other quarters to clarify the position had failed.

"A FREE SOCIALIST" CANDIDATE'S LIFEBUOY NATIONAL GOVERNMENT URGED [by telegraph—own* correspondent] TAURANGA, "Wednesday Mr. Fred Polley, Independent Socialist candidate for the Tauranga electorate, opened his campaign in the Civic Theatre last night. On the middle of the stage a lifebuoy was displayed. It was painted in three colours, red, white and blue, and bore the words: "God, King and Country. Socialism must Rave." " Mr. Polley said he was contesting the seat as an Independent Socialist candidate and believed that true Socialism was the only visible means of salvation for the masses. He pledged himself to 10 points, including the formation of a National Government, equal educational facilities for all, and the introduction of a bill for compulsory Scripture reading lessons (only) in all State schools. Ho said a National Government should be representative of all political parties in the House of Representatives. He did not belong to any organisation and was a free and independent Socialist. He had paid his nomination deposit out of his hard earnings, and maintained that he was a right and proper person to represent the district in Parliament. Many of those in Parliament had not the courage of a fair-sized rabbit. A vote of thanks to Mr. Polley was carried by acclamation. During the course of his address Mr. Polley explained that in the bag with 'his papers was a bottle of water which he had brought to drink, but some of the water had found its way on to the papers and owing to their wet condition some of his notes could not be read aud he had to proceed without quoting them. The candidate will drive by car through the electorate and will camp in # his vehicle, which will bo distinguished by the coloured lifebuoy which adorned the stage at Tauranga last night. MEETING AT XINQSLAND MR. G. WILDISH'S CANDIDACY St. George's Hall, Kingsland, .was filled to capacity last night when jMr. G. Wildish, National Government candidate for Grey Lynn, delivered an address. Mr. T. Mclridoe presided and the candidate was given an attentive hearing. Outlining the achievements of the Coalition Government during the past four years, Mr. Wildish said that in the circumstances no party could have done more. At the conclusion of his address, Mr. Wildish was asked many questions. A vote of thanks was carried by acclamation. MB. PETRIE AT HOWICK MANY QUESTIONS ASKED About 60 people gathered at the Howick Public Hall last night to hear an address by Mr. C. R. Potrie, Labour candidate for Hauraki. Mr. G. A. Newton presided. There were no interruptions and at the conclusion of his address Mr. Petrie was called upon to answer many questions. A vote of thanks was carried without dissent.