HAWKE’S BAY SEAT

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9593, 24 February 1917, Page 7

HAWKE’S BAY SEAT

REPORTED DISSATISFACTION ON

BOTH SIDES

MUCH FEELING DISPLAYED

Press Association. HASTINGS, February 23. Tho National Government 3 compact for tho respective parties in the event of a by-election to accent the nomination of u candidate supporting the party of the ono whose . retirement or death created the vacancy is not bringing Hawke’s Bay the political peace and harmony the leaders intended. Tho Reform organisers hero are noncurably standing by the agreement entered into by the Prime Minister, but a large number of the rank and file are very dissatisfied with the position and resent being asked to vote for a candidate imported from Wellington or a local man who has not their sympathies. Many Reformers have declared their intention to abstain from going to the poll. . Discontent is also rampant m the Liberal camp and a considerable section has threatened to break away and not support the official candidate, being dissatisfied with the methods adopted in his selection. Altogether a good deal of feeling is being displayed, and it is questionable whether tho so-called truce will not engender more bitterness than would an” election fought on party lines in normal times. • In the meantime tho candidates are making tho best use they can of tho short time allowed For electioneering. Mr Inn Simeon opened his platform campaign at' Wairoa this evening, and Sir John Findlay makes his first appearance before the Ifastings electors on Monday night. Mr A. L. D. Fraser meets his supporters to-night and is expected to decide whether he will or ■will not be nominated.

A message sent by the Press Association • from Napier Into last night announced that Mr A. L. D. Fraser has decided to contest the Hawke’s Bay seat.