REFORM PARTY.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 December 1924, Page 6

REFORM PARTY.

THE TARANAKI SEAT. !** MR. C. E. BELLRINGER SELECTED CONFERENCE OF DELEGATES.'. Seventy-three delegates, representing supporters of the Reform Party in all ■parts of the Taranaki electorate, assembled in St. Mary’s Hall, New Plymouth, yesterday afternoon, and chose Mr. C. E. Bellringer as the Reform candidate for the Taranaki seat at the next election. Mr. A. E. Washer (president of the Reform League), who was in the chair, stated that he was pleased to see such a large and representative, gathering on the important occasion of selecting the Reform candidate for the Taranaki seat. Mr. Washer then moved the following motion, which was carried with acclamation: —

“That this meeting of delegates, representing the supporters of the Reform Party in the Taranaki electorate, express sympathy with the Prime Minister (Mr. W. F. Massey) in his indispositioj£4oKi hopes he will soon regain his usual good health. We also wish to express continued confidence in the present Government and the leader of our party, Mr. Massey.” TWO NOMINATIONS.

Mr. D. Hebenton, organiser of the Re* form Party, said that he had addressed meetings in all parts of the electorate, and it was very encouraging to see that tlie delegates selected at the meetings had shown their interest in the organisation of the party by being present atthe conference. He had endeavoured to carry out his instructions to let it be known as widely as possible that thia conference would be held. The following resolutions were carried: — “That this conference of delegate* express its opinion that full and adequate opportunity has been given by advertisement and publicity to have enabled any candidate desirous of standing in the Reform interests for the Taranaki electorate tb have forward to address the conference uno abide by its decisions.” “That the delegates here assembled in conference for the- purpose of choosing the Reform candidate to represent the Taranaki electorate in Parliament at the next electron, pledge themselves to loyally abide by the decision of the conference and to support the ccndi-' date selected.”

Messrs C. E. Bellringer and S. Vickers (Omata), who had been nominated for selection, addressed tlje conference and answered questions. j On a secret ballet being taken of the : delegates, Mr. Bellringer was declared j the selected candidate. I . SUPPORT PLEDGED. ' The conference then carried the fok I lowing resolution: “That this meeting ■ of delegates, representative of tha sup- ' porters of the Reform Party in the various districts o/ the Taranaki expresses its confidence in Mr. C. E. Bellringer as the chosen Reform candidate.' to represent the I'aranaki electorate wthe next election, pledges itself to suipI port his candidature, and requests Mr. Massey, the leader of the party, to give Mr. Bellringer the party nomination.” Mr. Bellringer thanked the party for the confidence reposed in him, and stated that with the help of all the supporters lie felt sure he could win the seat at the next election. Mr. Vickers tendered Lis thanks for the support accorded him and assured Mr. Bellringer of his whole-hearted support. The meeting was the most enthusiastic held by the party in New Plymouth. Three cheers were given for Mr. Bellringer. Mr. Vickers, and extra hearty ones for Mr. Massey. A vote of thanks was passed to the organiser for his- work in <he electorate, and a similar compliment was paid to Mr. Washer for presiding.