WESTERN MAORI ELECTION

Taranaki Daily News, 6 August 1930, Page 12

WESTERN MAORI ELECTION

NOMINATION OF REV. R. HADDON. THREE POSSIBLE CANDIDATES. The Rev. Robert Ta.hu P. Haddon, of Taranaki, has agreed to accept nomination for the vacant seat for the Western Maori electorate, formerly represented by Sir • Maui Pomare, Closely associated with the late Sir Maui in reform movements among the Maoris, Mr. Haddon was once before asked, to contest the eeat before Sir Maui accepted nomination, but he refused. Mr. Haddon has decided to accept nomination after hearing the representations of the leading chiefs of the Ngaraurau and Ngatiruanui tribes of South Taranaki. A grand nephew of the famous Titokowaru, Mr. Haddon is superintendent of the Methodist Maori Mission, He has been a minister for 30 years. The Maoris in the Waikato have been conferring regarding the selection of a candidate” The influence of Te Rata, the escaped “king” of the Waikato, will be a big factor in coming to a decision there. It is stated that Princess Te Puae, of the Waikato, has said she will support Mr. Haddon if the nomination is clear cut. The likelihood at present is that, there will be three candidates for the seat, a Ratana follower, Taite Titomo (Halcombe) and Mr. Haddon. The candidature of Taite Titomo was announced after a meeting at Waitara similar to the one now being held in the Waikato. '