AWARUA SEAT

Southland Times, Issue 25361, 13 August 1935, Page 8

AWARUA SEAT

NATIONAL CANDIDATE MR HARGEST CHOSEN MR PERRELLE’S RETIREMENT (From Our Correspondent.) At a largely attended meeting at Winton yesterday when the various centres of the Awarua electorate were represented, Mr James Hargest. M.P. for Invercargill, was chosen as ■'he official National candidate for the constituency at the forthcoming general election. Mr Hargest, who was later present at the meeting acceded to the request to contest the seat. The selection was a unanimous one. The Hon. F. Waite presided ar.d associated with him was Mr P. A. de la Perrelle, M.P. for Awarua, who is not seeking re-election. Mr Waite expressed his regret at the necessity for such a meeting and his pleasure at the fact that there was such a large and representative attendance present. He referred to the fact that Mr Perrelle, acting on his doctor’s advice, had been compelled to retire from active politics for the time being. The lot of a member of Parliament was a strenuous one, and it was extremely regrettable that Mr Perrelle’s health prevented him from continuing. He could vouch for the fact that in Wellington Mr Perrelle’s efforts were greatly appreciated as a Minister of the Crown and member for Awarua. Mr Perrelle’s doctor had told him definitely that he must not engage in the hurly-burly of next election. Step Regretted. “As Mr Waite has told you, it is utterly impossible for me to stand at the coming election,” stated Mr Perrelle. “I regret having to take such a step as this, for I feel that my victory this year would have been my largest yet. I think that the bulk of the people of New Zealand have arrived at the opinion that the National Government will have to continue in the interests of the Dominion. That is absolutely essential. I sincerely trust that whoever is chosen as my successor will receive the widespread co-operation and support that has always been tendered to me. I want to say with all the emphasis that I can that I am deeply gratified to see present so many members of the two old parties—Liberal and Reform. It was gratifying to me at the last election to know that I was heartily supported by both sides, and I am certain that this same support will be forthcoming at the next election for my successor.” Mr Perrelle expressed his thanks for the splendid manner in which he had been supported in his career as a politician. Some day he might have sufficient, strength to tackle politics again, but it was a hard job, and a man needed his full strength to do it well. The question of the choice of a candi- ' date was an important one to be discussed that day, and he hoped that a unanimous decision would be reached. Resolution of Appreciation. The following resolution, proposed by Mr Thomas Hamilton and seconded by Mr John Keith, of Boggy Burn, was carried by acclamation: — This meeting of Awarua electors learns with great regret of Mr Perrelle’s inability to stand for re-elec-tion; thanks him for his loyal service I as a private member and as a Minis- " ter of the Crown; and expresses the hope that a short period of rest will complete his recovery to health. Mr W. Norman (Forest Hill) said that as a member of the Southland County Council he had come in touch with Mr Perrelle’s work in various branches, and he had to express his gratitude for the able assistance Mr Perrelle had given him on many occasions. He was extremely sorry that Mr Perrelle’s health did not permit him to seek reelection, and from the point of view of - those associated with local bodies it would be sincerely regretted that he was not again seeking office. He bad been courteous and obliging in every way, and it had been a great Measure to have been associated with him. Not only in his own electorate, but in Wellington" also, Mr Perrelle was always ready to give assistance and advice and make matters much easier for visitors.

Mr W. Bell, of Woodlands, said that as a member of the Education Board and of the High School Board, for which Mr Perrelle had rendered yoeman service, he had had great pleasure in being associated with him. As a member of Parliament Mr Perrelle had accomplished a great deal. He had been approachable on all matters, and widespread regret had been expressed at the fact that his health did not permit him to seek further honours.

In reply, Mr Perrelle expressed his thanks for the resolution that had been carried and for the kind words that had been said concerning himself. “I must add that notwithstanding the fact that years ago we fought sword against sword, I have had many Reform supporters,” he added. He wished to thank all for their good fellowship. The chairman referred to the fact that following the last general election a National Government had been formed for the national good, and while there had been reports that there had not been complete unanimity between the parties, they were not correct, as the parties had carried on harmoniously. The Awarua electorate had always been a reliable electorate. As the election was only a few months away it was necessary that some immediate steps should be taken. Right throughout the Dominion reliable men had been chosen to contest seats, and while it was hoped that Mr Perrelle would be able to carry on in Awarua, it was deeply regretted that his health did not permit him to do so. Mr Hargest’s Selection. When the question of the choice of a candidate to carry the National banners at the forthcoming election was discussed, several of those present spoke in favour of Mr Hargest. A vote was taken and it was unanimously decided that Mr Hargest be communicated with and an attempt be made to have him present at the meeting. Following a telephone call Mr J. Lilico informed the meeting that Mr Hargest would be present in an hour’s time. Mr Hargest said it was fairly difficult for him to say what he had to say. “My impulse now is to say that I will accept your nomination and contest the seat for Awarua,” he stated amidst applause. “There are a few things to mention first. I am still the member for Invercargill. Four years ago I had no intention of standing for Invercargill. I had offered myself for Mataura and was accepted there. The Coalition came into being, and we threw our weight behind Mr McDougall. At a meeting of Invercargill Reformers I was asked to contest the seat as a Coalition candidate, which I did, and was fortunate enough to have been successful. I have done my best during my term not only for Invercargill, but for Southland as a whole. What affects one part of Southland affects the other part. I have not seen any members of my committee in Invercargill and I do not know their attitude towards my leaving them. There is this point to be considered, however: I am not a resident of Invercargill, and like most of you I happen to make my living from the land and I feel I would be better representing people who make their living in a

similar manner. My greatest disability in Invercargill is that I am not a resident of the city. There may be a feeling in Invercargill that it may be better to have a representative who lives in the city. Mr Perrelle and I were opposed in the old days as members of the Liberal and Reform parties. A Promise Recalled.

“Years ago it was rumoured that I would contest the Awarua seat and Education Board in opposition to Mr Perrelle. However, this was not so, and one day I told'him that as long as he desired to contest any electorate or public body, I would never oppose him. We have been the greatest of friends, although political foes years ago. Now things are different. Mr Perrelle has lost his health through the service he has rendered the people of the Awarua electorate. I am sure the electors realize that. Had Mr Perrelle not served as a member of Parliament his health would have been much better to-day. If Mr Perrelle is not going to stand I will be proud to contest the Awarua seat. It will be the first occasion on which I will be able to vote for myself.” Continuing, Mr Hargest referred to a recent meeting held at Winton to discuss Mr Perrelle’s candidature for the coming election. The two old parties were working together and he hoped that the feeling that at one time existed between them had gone forever. Referring to the National Government, Mr Hargest said it had put up one of the best records of any Government in the history of the Dominion. He thanked the meeting for honouring him in the manner in which it had. MATAURA ELECTORATE FOUR NAMES FOR BALLOT. Interest is developing in the selection of a Government candidate to contest the Mataura seat at the general election. The names of four probable candidates have been mentioned, and it is expected that they will go before a ballot at a meeting to be held shortly. The names are: — Mr A. J. Cameron, farmer, formerly of Wendonside and now of Gore. Mr A. L. Dolamore, solicitor, of Gore. Mr T. Golden, farmer, of Fortrose. Mr F. H. Murney, farmer, of Tapanui. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT DUNEDIN CENTRAL. MR W. H. SHEPPARD CHOSEN. (Per United Press Association.) Dunedin, August 12. At a meeting of supporters of the National Political Federation to-night the candidature of Mr W. H. Sheppard for Dunedin Central was unanimously endorsed. e Mr Sheppard is a member of the City Council and manager of the Bell Tea Company. FIELD OF SIX DEVELOPMENTS AT ROTORUA. (Per United Press Association.) Rotorua, August 12. The six candidates at present reported likely to contest the Rotorua seat have had their number reduced by one, as the result of a statement made by Mr P. Shine, of Eureka, yesterday to the effect that he had never expressed any intention of offering himself as a candidate, and had never given any person authority to use his name in that connection. The field may be restored to its former strength, however, as the result of an announcement in Auckland that Mr H. M. Hampson, of Rotorua, may stand, possibly as an Independent Reformer. WAIPAWA ELECTORATE MR A. E. JULL SUPPORTED. (Per United Press Association.) Waipukurau, August 12. There was an attendance of 40 electors at a publicly convened meeting of supporters of the National Political I Federation at Waipukurau this afternoon. Mr Charles Pattison presided and Mr D. Ardell, Dominion organizer, and Mr A. E. Jull, M.P., addressed the meeting. On the motion of Mr P. Hunter, seconded by Mr A. E. Averill, a resolution was carried unanimously that the meeting endorsed the agreement entered between the leaders of the Reform and United Parties to federate fop the purpose of contesting the forthcoming election as a National Government. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr D. Eddy, a resolution that the meeting confirmed the candidature of Mr Jull as the National candidate for Waipawa electorate and agreed to do everything possible to secure election was carried.