INVERCARGILL ELECTORATE.

Southland Times, Issue 19651, 9 September 1925, Page 13

INVERCARGILL ELECTORATE.

(To the Editor.) Sir.—After the published extract from Mr Howard Elliott’s letter appearing in the Evening Post it is hardly necessary to reply to the letter appearing over the signature of “An Invercargill Elector.” I might, however, supplement Mr Elliott’s comments as follows:

1. The P.P.A. were not interested in selecting a candidate for the Invercargill seat when Mr McDonald's candidature was announced. Their interest commenced when Sir Joseph Ward announced himself. 2. The P.P.A. executive made no move and gave no indication whatever that Mr McDonald was not acceptable. The reverse was actually the case, as a perusual of their minutes will show. 3. Colonel Hargest is not a member of the P.P.A. In due course, our executive will discover how far he is or is not prepared to support us. 4. The P.P.A. was not represented on the committee which considered the relative chances of Messrs McDonald and Hargest; nor were they asked to join in discussing any matter whatever with Mr McDonald at any stage in the events which lead up to his retirement. 5 Mr Howard Elliott has no say in the selection or endorsement of any P.P.A. candidate; this matter being entirely in the hands of the local executive. Past selections have amply proved that local executive frequently differ from Mr Elliott. 6. The Southland Executive have not yet given their endorsement to, nor have they so far secured pledges from any candidate in Southland for this.—l am, etc., S. G. GRIFFITH. 1