PARTY MANCEUVRES

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11960, 15 October 1924, Page 7

PARTY MANCEUVRES

TO AVOID VOTE-SPLITTING IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received October 16, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, October 14. Apart from Mr Macdonald’s opening campaign speech, the most noticeable features yesterday, were the developments in connection with the selection of candidates throughout the country. These are. likely to afford the chief interest for ‘ several days. Following on the announcement that the Conservatives will not oppose Mr Asquith came the news that his henchman, Mr Donald Maclean, had decided to contest East Cardiff, leaving a Conservative to fight a Labourite in Kilmarnock, and that a Liberal nominee bad been left to fight a Labourite in the Tradeston division of Glasgow. The Earl of Derby visited Leigh, in Lancashire, in connection with the local situation, and subsequently the Liberal Association withdrew its candidate, ■ leaving a Conservative to fight Labour. CONSERVATIVES SUSPICIOUS. Apart from actual withdrawals, there are several cases in which each party is not proceeding to choose a candidate where the other party already has a strong candidate in the field. The effect of the party moves on the rank and file remains an enigma. The ’ “Morning Post,” commenting on the impression at Labour headquarters that they will get appreciable support from the radical section of the Liberal Party, says: “This should make the Conservative associations everywhere cautious in their arrangements with the Liberals over three-cornered contests.”' PREFERENTIAL DUTIES.

Another factor in the situation is the cleavage between the Liberals and the Conservatives regarding preference; which was indicated yesterday in' a resolution against preference passed by the executive of the National Liberal Federation, as well as by" the Free Trade Union, and asking candidates to pledge themselves against protective preferential duties. Describing the avalanche of Conservative leaflets, the “Morning Post” says: “These are not only against the Socialists. A little folder reminds the voters that the Liberals, by opposing preference, show that they want to keep the Home market for the foreigner.” A LABOUR RECRUIT. The most interesting development on the Labour side is the adoption of Dr O. Addison, a former Liberal Minister, as Labour candidate, against Sir William Bull (Con.) in Hammersmith South. At Carnarvon the Labourites have adopted Professor A. E. Zimmern to oppose Mr Lloyd George. All parties are calling attention. to the great body of electors who did not vote at last election. Instances given are those of West Leyton, where 11,370 did not record their votes; Whitechapel, where 10,000 did not vote; and Shoreditch, where less than 50 per cent, polled.

v Mr H. Becker, who was elected for Richmond (Surrey) In 1922 as an Independent, and again last year, as a Conservative, states that he will not contest the seat again, on the ground that he has been disowned by the newlyformed local Conservative Association, which has adopted Sir Newton Moore, who is expected from South Africa on Saturday. MR ASQUITH STRAIGHT-OUT CONTEST. Reuter’s Telegram. October 14, 10.16 p.m.) LONDON, October 13. Colonel A. B. M. Shaw (Con.) has withdrawn his candidature for Paisley, leaving Mr H. H. Asquith, the Liberal leader, a straight fight against the Labour candidate, Mr Mitchell.

At the last election the voting at Paisley went as follows:—H. H. Asquith (Lib.), 9723; J. M. Biggar (Lab.), 7977; Colonel A. B. M. Shaw (Con.), 7758;D. D. Cormack (Lab.), 3685.