MT. ALBERT SEAT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26540, 15 August 1947, Page 4

MT. ALBERT SEAT

Keen Contest Expected in By-election LIBERAL PARTY’S MOVE Special Correspondent. » WELLINGTON, Aug. 14. Political organisation at high pressure will develop almost immediately in the Mt. Albert electorate, where a by-election will be necessary to elect a Member of Parliament in succession to Mr A. S. Richards, whose death has occurred. Although the Labour Party had a majority in round figures of 1800 at the last election, the political situation has changed to some extent, and a close contest is expected. A high pitch of organisation will be reached from all sides. Officials of the Labour Party are to go from here to Auckland next week to discuss with local party members the choice of a candidate. A telegram has been sent to the national executive of the party by Mr J. R. Kennedy, organiser of the New Zealand Liberal Party, suggesting a combination of interests during the by-election.

“ To complete our long standing negotiations for a united LiberalLabour front,” the message stated, “ nonexecutive has now decided to obtain a special mandate from the Mount Albert electoi-s by contesting this seat if possible with a jointly selected Liberal-Labour alliaqce candidate.” The Liberal Party has proposed the nomination of the former speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr F. W. Schramm, as the joint candidate of the two political organisations. Mr Schramm, who was defeated by the National candidate, Mr D. M. Rae in Parnell at the last general election, was the Labour representative for Auckland East from 1931 until 1946. The National Party is already considering the selection of a candidate, but in accordance with its practice, the choice will be made by the district branch of the party. Members of the party resident in the electorate will hold a selection ballot on September 1 or September 2, for which nominations will close on August 22. At the last general election Mr F. A. Hosking stood in the interests of the National Party against Mr Richards. In an electorate of 14,288 voters, .Mr Hosking obtained some 5500 votes in a poll of roughly 12,800 votes. The by-election will take place at a particularly awkward time for the Government, and certainly in less favourable circumstances from the Government’s point of view than those

which existed immediately before the general election. Another important factor is that Mr Richards had a considerable personal following by virtue of his long residence in Auckland and close connection with party affairs. It is generally recognised that a strong candidate will be needed to hold the vote he secured. Both the Communist Party and Mr J. A. Lee, with his Democratic Labour supporters, could,' in a close poll, have a considerable effect on the result.