SOUTHERN MAORI ELECTION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11448, 30 January 1918, Page 4

SOUTHERN MAORI ELECTION.

Per Press Association. ■ Wellington, Jan. 31). With regard to the Southern Maori election, Mr Ellison, who stood at the last general election as Reform candidate, telegraphed to Sir J. G. Ward on January 21st that ho proposed to stiud us a supporter of the National Government. The following telegram whs next day sent byMr Ellison to the leaders of the respective parties: * * With reference to your suggestion tlr.t you should as h candidate for the vacancy created by the death of the late Mr Charles Pan:ta, we h tvo tu”inform you th -t under the tru e established upon tho creation of tho National Government an . undertaking was entered, into between us that in the event of a vacancy the lo uler of the pu-t.v io which the member belonged wis to nominate the candidate, and the support of both parties wss to be asked for on his behalf. Tho hte Mr Farata, having been a member of the Liberal Party, his successor requires to be selected from the Liberal Party by Sir J. G. Ward. In the circumstances you will recognise that it is not possible for you to ho nominated on behalf of the National Government, and oar desire is that you should not stand, and th.t your support and assistance should bo given to whoever is nominated by Sir Joseph Ward to till the pl -ee of the late Liberal member. This is the course that has been followed in European sods since the National Government w-.s formed, a fid we hope that the Maoris will respect this arrangement.”