THE GREYMOUTH SEAT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 18, 21 June 1913, Page 9

THE GREYMOUTH SEAT

REQUISITION TO MR. MICHEL. Hokitika, June 19. A largely-attended meeting of Mr. H. L. Michel's supporters was held here to-night to consider the political position in regard to the Grey bye-election. It was reported that a numerously-sign-ed requisition had been forwarded to Mr. Michel from Greymouth and district, asking him to contest the byeelection caused by the death of Sir A. R. Guinness. Mr. Michell declared that lie felt it his duty to place the position before his supporters in the Westland electorate. He thought he had not yet decided to enter into the campaign. He desired to have their sanction before he further considered the matter. He referred feelingly to the death of the late Speaker, which had brought about the present crisis in the political history of the West Coast. His present difficulty was that it might look like deserting the 3000 men and women who formed his Westland party if he consented to contest the seat. If the resolution which he understood was to be put to the meeting were carried he would not give a definite reply before Saturday. Various speakers expressed their views and a resolution was passed approving of any course Mr. Michel decided to take. It was stated that in the event of Mr. Michel acceding to the request he would contest the seat as the Government candidate.