GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 2, 12 December 1911, Page 6

GENERAL ELECTIONS.

HAWKE’S BAY SEAT,

(Per Press Association.)

Hastings, December 12. Advice of the Hon. R. McKenzie’s last night’s visit to Hastings was kept a profound secret among the Government candidate’s supporters and when, the Minister arrived, accompanied by Mr Brown, member for Napier, and Mr Dillon, ox-member for Hawke’s Bay, only from twenty to thirty of Mr Simson’s supporters were on the station to receive him. Soon after arrival a mooting was held in Mr Simson’s committee rooms, where the Minister addressed about 200 invited persons. ’The Minister’s speech was an appeal to the Liberal forces of Hawke’s Bay to sink minor differences and return Government candidates at the second ballot. At the conclusion of the address the meeting formed a deputation, including the Minister and Mr A If. Dillon, and proceeded to Mr Clapharn’s commibee rooms, where the Labour supporters wore holding a caucus to decide their course of action at the second ballot. When the deputation arrived the caucus was still deliberating and the Government party were kept outside the door. After waiting a considerable time Mr Clapham’s committee announced that the meeting had passed a resolution not to receive the deputation and this. Labour in Hawke’s Bay would remain neutral as a body, leaving it to individual members to vote as they pleased. It is stated that a large percentage of the Labour vote will be cast in favour of the Opposition candidate.