NATIONAL PARTY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23134, 5 September 1938, Page 11

NATIONAL PARTY

CHOICE OF CANDIDATES FULL LOCAL AUTHORITY MOST DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM The selection of National Party candidates for the general election is nearing completion. The method is the most democratic that it is possible to devise. In the first place, a substantial enrolment of members of the party in each electorate is necessary. Then applications for candidates are called. Any member of the party, wherever lie or she may reside, may be nominated by two members must reside in the constituency concerned. Nominated candidates address various branches, being bound to stand by the eventual vote not to oppose the person selected in that particular electorate.

The method of selection is left for the party in each electorate to decide. There is the flat vote system which was employed, for instance, in Eden, where every enrolled member has a direct vote. Over 1000 votes were thus recorded in the ftden selection ballot. This method can be employed without difficulty in urban electorates where the area is comparatively small and party members can be assembled readily at one central point. The alternative method of choice is by delegates selected by the various branches. Thus, in Waitemata, where 2300 members were enrolled, a delegate was chosen to represent every 15 voters. Tho "electoral college" therefore consisted of 150. ]t would have been impracticable in so wide a constituencj' to have called a general meeting at a central point to make the selection. The aim of the constitution is to place local management in local hands. Not only may the local party choose the method of selection, but also in the case where delegates are appointed, branches may bind them by instructions or grant them a free hand. The selection system has worked smoothly and the inevitable upgrowth of faction has ended with the selection.